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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 05: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles congratulates Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos after the 21-17 win in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

With their offensive coordinator search dragging into uncomfortable territory, the Philadelphia Eagles are being urged to act fast. 

After whiffing on some of the biggest names on the market, one veteran NFL coach with recent postseason success has suddenly become available. 

Multiple analysts believe he should be at the top of Philadelphia’s list.

Joe Lombardi, fresh off an AFC Championship appearance, was fired by Denver on Tuesday.

This was a move that shocked many around the league. 

That instantly makes him one of the most accomplished offensive minds still available.

As Inside The Iggles put it, this is “someone in Philadelphia needs to pick up the phone.” 

Lombardi’s availability comes at a time when the Eagles have already missed on several high-profile targets and appear no closer to naming a new OC. 

The front office is now facing increased urgency to make a decision.

Joe Lombardi’s NFL Resume

Lombardi is best known for spending over a decade under Sean Payton as the New Orleans Saints’ quarterbacks coach. 

He worked closely with Drew Brees, playing a key role in the Saints’ Super Bowl championship. 

After stints as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, Lombardi reunited with Payton in Denver in 2023.  

This past season, the Broncos finished No. 12 in total offense (334.5 yards per game) and No. 15 in scoring (23.2 points per game). 

They also ranked 11th in third-down conversion rate (41.06%).

Denver’s offense averaged 2.6 touchdowns per game.

These are numbers that stack up favorably against Philadelphia’s late-season offensive output.

Most importantly, Lombardi helped guide the Broncos to the No. 1 seed in the AFC and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. 

He also was a big part of developing Bo Nix into their franchise quarterback. 

Despite that success, Denver opted for a reset in a move that immediately raised eyebrows across the league. 

While Philly has whiffed on big name OC candidates like Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll, they caught a break here with Lombardi being available and need to capitalize. 

Another Offensive Coordinator Option Becomes Available 

Lombardi isn’t the only newly available name. 

The Eagles have also been encouraged to explore former New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.  

He was also fired on Tuesday after one season as the Jets offensive coordinator. 

While the Jets’ offensive numbers were bleak, context matters. 

Engstrand was working with a regressing quarterback and a dysfunctional structure.

This was a very unfair environment for a first-year play-caller. 

Before his stint in New York, Engstrand spent several seasons in Detroit, where he was part of one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.

He was the Lions’ passing game coordinator, working under Ben Johnson on an offense that ranked among the league’s best in scoring and efficiency. 

With premium candidates already off the board, Philadelphia’s search is beginning to feel urgent. 

Lombardi offers postseason credibility and stability, while Engstrand represents a developmental swing with strong coaching roots. 

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