The Eagles are in need of a new head coach after the decision to part ways with Doug Pederson.
At the top of their list of potential replacements? Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Brady, just 31-years old, has had a meteoric rise in the NFL over the last few seasons. Brady went from working with the New Orleans Saints as an offensive assistant for two seasons in 2017 and 2018 to offensive coordinator at LSU in 2019, where he oversaw one of the best offensives in college football history.
Brady then had his choice of jobs last offseason, including the Eagles' offensive coordinator job, but elected to go to Carolina where he was able to call the plays. Although the Panthers' offensive production was not great — 24th in points, 21st in yards — many feel that was due to a lack of talent as opposed to poor coaching.
Brady checks off all the boxes the Eagles will be looking for — bright offensive mind, exciting new hire, thought of highly around the league and yet likely not powerful enough to ask for complete control over his staff/personnel just yet.
The Eagles making the move to bring in Brady now would certainly be a high-risk, high-reward decision.
The risk is clear — Brady is only 31-years old and has only spent three total seasons working in the NFL. Of those three, only one was in an important role. Brady might be viewed as having a bright offensive mind, but being a head coach is about much more than offensive schemes — although they are important. It is fair to wonder how Brady will do managing a staff that will likely be filled with coaches older than he is, with more experience, and a locker room that could also have players older than him as well.
The Eagles found out quickly with Chip Kelly that if a head coach isn't popular in the locker room it won't matter how bright of a football mind he is. Brady might be able to do it, but having him manage the entire coaching staff and roster would be the main concern.
The reward, however, could be huge.
The Los Angeles Rams took a chance on Sean McVay at just 30-years old. McVay had far more experience in the NFL, but had just two seasons as an offensive coordinator with Washington. Although they haven't won the Super Bowl, the Rams won the NFC and were one of the best offensive teams in the league in his first two seasons. Although the production on offense has slipped, that has been more due to poor quarterback play and injuries than the scheme.
If the Eagles don't hire Brady now it is possible they might not get another chance. Brady is already viewed as a head coaching candidate and has interest from other teams in the league this offseason, already completing interviews with the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Jets.
It might be too soon to hire Brady — but if they wait, it will probably be too late.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
