The Philadelphia Eagles aren't afraid to make changes. That is what good teams do. Even after Philly won the Super Bowl in 2024, the team isn't going to sit still if they feel they may be fading quickly from that elite level. The Indianapolis Colts could learn a few things from that approach.
But one recent change for the Eagles could have a ripple effect in Indy. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bobo Cooter had another interview with Philadelphia this week (this time, in person) for its open offensive coordinator position. On the surface, Cooter going to Philly would be a lateral move, but it isn't.
In Indianapolis, head coach Shane Steichen makes the play-calls for the offense. This means that while Cooter oversees the offense during practice in the days before a game, his main job is to communicate Steichen's vision for the upcoming game. On game days, the offense belongs to Steichen.
Philadelphia Eagles interview Indianapolis Colts' Jim Bob Cooter a second time for open offensive coordinator position
Should the Eagles choose to hire Cooter, he would be getting a promotion because he would be the signal caller. This should be good for Philly, as Cooter has learned under Steichen for three years, and the Colts' head coach, despite the team's win-loss record in his time, is a brilliant offensive mind.
The potentially positive part for Philadelphia is multi-fold. For one, while Cooter doesn't make the calls for Indy's offense now, he does have experience as a play-caller. He did so for the Detroit Lions from 2016 to 2018, working with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Secondly, Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni worked with Cooter when both Shane Steichen and Jim Bob Cooter worked for the Eagles in 2021. When Steichen got the head gig in Indy, he knew Cooter would be a good option to be his OC, and he also knew that Cooter would be fine with not calling the plays.
With the Philadelphia Eagles, Cooter could easily have immediate success. He has proven he can adjust his schemes to the players he has, and while Philly quarterback Jalen Hurts doesn't play like Daniel Jones, Cooter would be able to fit his system to Hurts' best skills.
Cooter also understands how difficult the Eagles fan base can be, having worked there previously. The job would not be an easy one, but it shouldn't be.
Maybe Jim Bobo Cooter is still with the Indianapolis Colts in 2026, but he has connections to the Eagles. He also deserves a chance to get additional responsibilities.
Update: The Eagles have reportedly decided to hire Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator. Cooter will likely need to wait until at least 2026 for a promotion.