Is the Eagles’ Newest Coaching Addition Indicating Pressure on Quarterback Jalen Hurts?
In Philadelphia, there’s a noticeable shift occurring with the confirmation from NFL sources that Doug Nussmeier will be joining Kellen Moore for a third consecutive stint, this time as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.
This marks the seventh consecutive season of collaboration between Nussmeier, 53, and Moore, with the last five years seeing Moore as the offensive coordinator and Nussmeier as the quarterbacks coach.
Their partnership began in Dallas in 2018, when Moore, a standout college quarterback at Boise State with a six-year NFL career as a backup, transitioned directly from the playing field to become the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach. During this time, Nussmeier, a former high-level college quarterback at Idaho with five seasons in the pros, was coaching tight ends in Dallas.
By 2019, Moore had ascended to become the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator at the age of 31, while Nussmeier continued as tight ends coach alongside former Seattle starter Jon Kitna, who was mentoring the quarterbacks. Kitna’s tenure was brief, and Nussmeier took over as QB coach, collaborating with Moore in Dallas and Los Angeles in the 2023 season with quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert.
Nussmeier’s role as quarterbacks coach for the Eagles is perceived as critical, given his direct involvement in guiding Jalen Hurts, a pivotal player for the franchise.
The disparity in experience between Nussmeier and his predecessor, Alex Tanney, is considerable. Tanney, who transitioned from an eight-year playing career to coaching, lacked the depth of coaching experience that Nussmeier brings to the role.
This shift reflects a belief by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie that leaning on less experienced coaches, like Tanney and former coach Brian Johnson, contributed to Hurts’ regression. Lurie sought “fresh ideas” for the offense, resulting in the hiring of Moore and Nussmeier.
While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, the decision to bring in Moore and Nussmeier reflects a desire for experienced leadership and a new approach to coaching Hurts.
Despite the optimism surrounding Moore and Nussmeier’s appointment, success is not guaranteed. However, the decision signifies a departure from previous coaching strategies, emphasizing the importance of experience and fresh perspectives in coaching pivotal players like Hurts.
