Connection with Jalen Hurts should make next OC for Eagles an easy choice

Johnson and Hurts have a long history. Averion Hurts, Jalen’s father, was a coach on Johnson’s high school team in Texas. His sons, Jalen and Averion Jr., served as ball boys on the team. Hurts was the first person Johnson called when he took the Eagles job in 2021.

Hurts played so well in 2022 that it’s easy to forget the improvements he made with Johnson’s early coaching. In 2021, Hurts became the eighth quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards (3,144) and 750 rushing yards (784) in a season. He also became the youngest quarterback in franchise history to start a playoff game.

Before joining the Eagles staff, Johnson helped build one of the more prolific passing offenses in the FBS as offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators. Kyle Trask threw for 4,283 yards in 2020, second only to Alabama’s Mac Jones.

In 2023, Trask could be Tampa Bay's starter, replacing Tom Brady, so some have tied him to the Bucs opening for offensive coordinator.

Johnson was rumored to be taking a job with Notre Dame, but he said that won’t happen. He has interviewed with the Jets and Rams for coordinator positions, with more interviews to come. ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes Johnson will receive head-coaching offers in the near future.

Philadelphia’s future looks bright with Hurts at QB, and Johnson is a big reason why. If the Eagles doesn’t promote him now, another team will. If the Eagles want to keep Hurts happy, they shouldn’t let Johnson leave the nest.