The NFL’s routine game of musical chairs is in full swing again, with coaches moving between positions, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator position is in focus, along with Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll. The Eagles fired OC Kevin Patullo, and the offensive minds of McDaniel and Daboll are touted as possible replacements.
But who’ll be the better candidate?
Ex-Eagles LB Emmanuel Acho Argues For Brian Daboll Over Mike McDaniel To Be Eagles OC
Daboll and McDaniel have extensive backgrounds coaching in the NFL. Both have served as head coaches and have long track records as offensive operators. Their styles might differ, but they can certainly be trusted to run an offense, especially one as loaded as that of the Eagles.
Former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho spoke about the situation, saying Daboll would be a better fit for the job. “Brian Daboll is what makes sense when it comes to Daboll and Mike McDaniel,” he said on “Speakeasy.” “The reason Brian Daboll makes sense is, understand your personnel. Who does Brian Daboll like to coach, and who has he coached? Josh Allen, Daniel Jones, Jaxson Dart — mobile, mobile, mobile — remember that.”
Daboll coached Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in 2017 as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Alabama went 13-1 that year, claimed the top spot in the AP Poll, and went on to beat Georgia 26-23 in the national championship game.
“If I’m not mistaken, Brian Daboll has some carryover with Jalen Hurts back at Alabama,” Acho added. “And so, if you want to maximize your personnel, then you go get Brian Daboll, because Brian Daboll is used to these mobile quarterbacks. He had design runs for Jaxson Dart. He had design runs for Daniel Jones. Remember Daniel Jones played the Philadelphia Eagles — I believe Brian Daboll was there — Daniel Jones had the longest run of his career, if I’m not mistaken. So, Brian Daboll will be able to maximize Jalen Hurts.”
Hurts is one of the strongest rushing quarterbacks in the NFL. Teams have had a hard time covering both their running and passing attacks, especially with superstar running back Saquon Barkley also lurking in the backfield.
“Jalen Hurts is at his best when he’s also using his legs,” Acho concluded. “I do not want a Mike McDaniel there because… Mike McDaniel is probably a better offensive coordinator, but he’s a better offensive coordinator if he has the pieces that he wants — a quarterback that plays on time, a quarterback that gets the ball out immediately, a quarterback that’s gonna throw with anticipation. Jalen Hurts doesn’t throw with anticipation — it’s not his strength.”
How the Eagles’ search for a new OC pans out remains to be seen. There are various trade-offs they’d have to consider if they do end up going with either Daboll or McDaniel.
