
The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season ended in a disappointing 23-19 wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers, a defeat marked by late offensive struggles and key breakdowns that knocked the defending Super Bowl champions out of the playoffs.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts managed just 168 passing yards and one touchdown in the loss, while Philadelphia’s offense struggled to sustain drives against a tough San Francisco defense. The defeat intensified scrutiny on the coaching staff amid fan calls for change.
In the days following the exit, pressure mounted on head coach Nick Sirianni and Philadelphia’s front office. The team decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
Patullo, promoted to the role in 2025, was criticized for an offense that regressed compared with past seasons, contributing to calls from fans for adjustments.
As the Eagles continue their offseason evaluations, the franchise made another key decision involving its coaching staff on Sunday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“The Eagles and special teams coach Michael Clay have agreed to terms on a new deal for him to return to Philly,” Rapoport wrote.
This move comes despite interest from other teams around the league. Clay is regarded as one of the more sought-after special teams coaches, but he opted to remain with Philadelphia.
The #Eagles and special teams coach Michael Clay have agreed to terms on a new deal for him to return to Philly, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2026
One of the more coveted ST coaches around, Clay drew significant interest around the league. But he elected to remain home. pic.twitter.com/lTyKegDVLR
Clay’s resume includes a run of strong special teams units and clutch moments throughout the 2025 season. Early in the year, the Eagles produced multiple blocked kicks that directly impacted outcomes. In Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, defensive tackle Jordan Davis blocked a 44-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown to seal a 33-26 victory.
The following week, in Week 4 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cameron Latu broke through the punt unit to block a punt, with safety Sydney Brown scooping it up and returning it 35 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles an early lead in a 31-25 win. Performances such as these demonstrated the impact of Clay’s unit en route to an NFC East title for the Eagles.
With Clay returning, the Eagles retain continuity in one important phase of the game as they prepare for further decisions in the offseason. Philadelphia is expected to make additional changes and roster adjustments as it looks to reassert itself as a title contender in 2026.
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