The Philadelphia Eagles are making a big shakeup in an attempt to fix their underperforming defense. According to multiple reports, the Eagles will have former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia take over the playcalling role on defense.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the move doesn’t strip defensive coordinator Sean Desai from his position. Desai will still serve as DC but will move to the coaches’ booth while Patricia will be on the sidelines.
Patricia joined the Eagles in the offseason after serving as an offensive play caller and offensive line coach for the New England Patriots in 2022. His official title is senior defensive assistant.
Patricia previously served as the Pats’ defensive coordinator between 2012 and 2017. He was hired to be the new head coach of the Lions in 2018 but was fired midway through his third season on the job. His head coaching record with Detroit was 13-29-1.
The Eagles desperately need a spark on the defensive side of the ball. Despite being tied for the best record in the NFC with 10-3, Philly is in the lower half of defensive rankings for the 2023 season. They are 22nd in yards allowed per game (353.9 yards), while only three teams allowed more touchdowns than the 39 TDs the Eagles allowed.
