Eagles’ Matt Patricia Move

The Eagles concluded their season on a tumultuous note, particularly on the defensive front, prompting Darius Slay to provide his evaluation of the areas that could have been handled more effectively.

Following their Super Bowl LVII defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia witnessed the departure of both of its coordinators, Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen. Gannon assumed the role of head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, while Steichen took the helm for the Indianapolis Colts.

Sean Desai, previously with the Seattle Seahawks, was appointed as Gannon’s successor for the position of the team’s new defensive coordinator. Slay advocated for Dennard Wilson, the defensive backs coach, to assume the role, but Wilson opted to join the Baltimore Ravens in the same capacity, a decision that Slay regretted.

“I think he would have made a lot of difference,” Slay expressed to reporters, as reported by Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “He was loved by us. I thought, for sure, he should have stayed.”

Slay emphasized that Wilson’s return would have made a substantial impact, regardless of the specific position he occupied. However, Matt Patricia was added as a senior assistant, following his less-than-successful stint as the offensive play-caller for the New England Patriots.

After Week 13, Nick Sirianni appointed Patricia as the defensive play-caller, while Desai remained on staff to oversee the defense. This decision, labeled a “panic move” by Troy Aikman, proved to be an awkward pairing that contributed to the Eagles’ exit in the wild-card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reflecting on the disastrous decision, Slay employed a questionable analogy, stating, “Trying to find two identities of a coach is tough. It’s like having, like, two marriages. You know how hard two marriages would probably be? To have a household (with) two personalities of two women? That’s tough.”

Despite the unconventional comparison, Slay maintained awareness, clarifying, “No offense to the women. That’s crazy talk. One might want her feet rubbed, one might want her shoulders rubbed.”

In light of the Eagles’ disappointing season, it is likely that Philadelphia will part ways with Patricia, who may find a new opportunity, potentially reuniting with Bill Belichick on his next team.