Blame Game: Eagles Dismiss Brian Johnson; Is Coach Nick Sirianni Responsible for the Offensive Struggles?

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles are parting ways with offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, assigning blame for issues in an offense that still ranked No. 8 overall and No. 7 in points per game.

Despite these top-10 finishes, it’s fair to say the Eagles underperformed offensively in 2023, particularly late in the season.

The offense needed more creativity and evolution in Nick Sirianni’s schemes, which seemed to stagnate. However, since the system is Sirianni’s, firing Johnson for adhering to the given framework is a simplistic and misguided approach.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (L) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson (R) talk during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With a net worth approaching $5 billion, Jeffrey Lurie is undoubtedly aware of the complexities involved. However, once the decision was made to continue with Sirianni, the $255 million invested in franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts made any move involving him impossible. Consequently, Johnson became the scapegoat to appease the angry fans at the NovaCare Complex.

The fallacy lies in assuming that this anger needs to be addressed.

Lurie’s Eagles don’t have to play the same game as many other franchises. Despite numerous WIP callers threatening to boycott games if certain changes aren’t made, the number who actually follow through is negligible for Lurie’s financial standing.

Lurie could afford to be patient, but his actions mirror the emotional responses of the most passionate fans. While he deeply cares about the franchise, his first reaction in times of trouble is to assign blame.

Sometimes assigning blame is necessary in the NFL, but those familiar with Sirianni know that blaming anyone other than the head coach for the Eagles’ offensive issues is like worrying about the lawn while the house’s foundation rots.

Rewind to December 20, two days after a disappointing 20-17 loss in Seattle, when Sirianni defended his offense by lamenting the scapegoating of Johnson.

“We have to put the players in more positions to create explosive plays, but make no mistake, this offense is being run the exact same way it was last year and the year before,” Sirianni said.

Then he reiterated something he has often said since arriving in 2021: “This offense is my offense; right? This is my offense. So, the criticism on the offense unfairly goes to Brian. Brian calls the plays. The criticism should come at me because this is my offense.

“I was hired to do a job here because I was successful as an offensive coordinator with our schemes and coaching players to win. I’m committed to that.”

Even ignoring the organization’s praise for Johnson over the past three years and the impact of making him a scapegoat, making Sirianni a powerless head coach for the sake of public perception delays the inevitable.

The names Sirianni trusts are being ruled out. Former Notre Dame and Alabama OC Tommy Rees is joining the NFL with Cleveland, and early candidate Jim Bob Cooter is trending negatively, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

This leaves veteran options like Mike McCoy and Frank Reich, or in-house candidates such as Kevin Patullo and Jason Michael, the latter duo less favorable due to their association with the 2023 staff.

Philosophical or schematic changes might be necessary, but if that’s the belief, Lurie should have fully committed to it rather than leaving Sirianni in a weakened position.

Blame Game: Eagles Dismiss Brian Johnson; Is Coach Nick Sirianni Responsible for the Offensive Struggles?

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