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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

Brian Johnson talks handling criticism in Year 1 as Eagles OC; NFL coaching rumors

The Eagles trailed 17-7 for two straight games now, and this past Sunday, #FireBrianJohnson was a trending topic on X and other social media sites heading into the half after Philadelphia only managed 99 total yards while going 0-for-4 on third down.

The second half was and is always different, as Jalen Hurts accounted for five total touchdowns, and the Eagles moved to 10-1 on the season.

Johnson, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after Shane Steichen took the head coaching job for the Indianapolis Colts in February, has received his share of criticism for the slow starts and addressed the growing discontent amid a record-breaking season.

Brian Johnson on criticism

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Johnson has received criticism for the slow starts, but Philadelphia’s offense is on par, if not better than the 2022 version.

Eagles’ current 2023 offensive rankings:

Points per game: 3rd
First downs per game: 1st
Time of possession: 3rd
Third down conversion percentage: 3rd
Red Zone TD percentage: 5th

Brian Johnson on being hot name

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 22: Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lincoln Financial Field on October 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The 3-0 Eagles are one the hottest teams in the NFL right now, and with success comes poachers from the opposition looking to lure your best coaches away.

When hiring Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia assembled one of the NFL’s youngest coaching staff, and that dynamic group has already been broken up thanks to their versatility and vast talents.

Shane Steichen took his talents to Indianapolis, and he’s doing wonders with Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew.

The much-maligned Jonathan Gannon is in Arizona, and his Cardinals upset the top-ranked Dallas Cowboys earlier this season.

Johnson was asked about being a hot name.

Final Observation

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson before a game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles need to improve their red zone efficiency (down from 72.5% to 62.8%) and Jalen Hurts’ interceptions per attempt (from 0.9% to 2.8%), but overall, Johnson’s first season as offensive coordinator has been just as successful, if not better than Shane Steichen’s first season.

Philadelphia has improved under Johnson, now ranking fifth in red zone efficiency, and during the past three huge games, the Eagles are 10-for-10 inside the 20-yard line in win over the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

Brian Johnson is going to be fine, and like Shane Steichen last offseason, he’ll likely get an interview or two, return, and then potentially land the job of his choice in 2025.

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