Report: Former Eagles OC Brian Johnson joins NFC East rival

A former Eagles coach is staying within the division.

Per multiple reports, former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson will join the Washington Commanders in a “prominent” role on their staff.

The #Commanders are expected to hire former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to a prominent offensive staff role, per source.

Johnson, who guided Philly’s offense last year, interviewed for several head coaching jobs this cycle. pic.twitter.com/iNsR8TMkEE

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 8, 2024

Fowler states that Johnson will likely serve as a pass-game coordinator for Dan Quinn.

After working as the Eagles quarterbacks coach for two seasons under Shane Steichen, Johnson, 36, assumed the offensive coordinator position in 2023. Johnson interviewed for multiple HC jobs this offseason — in Atlanta and Tennessee — and received a request from Carolina.

In Johnson’s first year as play-caller, the Eagles ranked seventh in scoring (24.6 PPG), ninth in total offense (350.0 YPG), and fifth in red-zone conversion percentage (45.2%), but the offense grew incredibly stale down the stretch, leading to his eventual firing.

There was a wide belief within NFL circles that Nick Sirianni’s system handcuffed Johnson’s ability to be innovative — Philadelphia will see firsthand if that’s true when they face Washington twice next season.

Seeing how Johnson meshes with new Commanders’ OC Kliff Kingsbury will be interesting. The Eagles had substantial interest in Kingsbury for their OC vacancy before hiring Kellen Moore.

Will Kliff Kingsbury and the Commanders go up and get Caleb Williams? 👀 pic.twitter.com/cPU3AnVTsc

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 5, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher | USA TODAY Sports