Nick Foles Stirs the Pot with Advice to Kevin Patullo
Nick Foles holds a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia Eagles fans. His status as the Super Bowl LII MVP ensures that when he speaks, people listen. Recently, Foles stirred conversation by suggesting that current Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo should consider relocating to the coaching booth during games. However, this advice seems to stem from a misunderstanding of Patullo’s actual coaching role.
Foles articulated his thoughts during a streaming session, emphasizing that as a pass game coordinator, Patullo’s effectiveness is rooted in the strategic oversight that a booth perspective offers. “Being a pass game coordinator, [Patullo’s] role was to be in the box, to be in the booth, to oversee what is happening on the field from an up-above perspective, not being on the sidelines with the players and feeling the emotions from the sideline,” Foles stated. He believed that returning Patullo to this familiar environment could help the struggling Eagles offense, currently ranked 24th in the league, find its rhythm.
However, the reality is that Patullo’s role as both passing game coordinator and associate head coach has never involved working from the booth during his tenure with the Eagles. In fact, Patullo clarified on Wednesday that he hasn’t coached from upstairs in over a decade.
The Importance of Sideline Communication
During his weekly press conference, Patullo addressed Foles’ comments head-on. “I think the communication with the players is important,” he asserted. Since joining the Eagles in 2021, Patullo has consistently been on the field, fostering open lines of communication with players and coaches alike. This direct interaction is, in his view, crucial for making real-time adjustments during games, allowing him to engage with quarterback Jalen Hurts, the offensive line, and the receivers.
“I’ve been on the field for a long, long time. I don’t think I’ve been in the box since maybe 2011 as a coach. So, it’s been a while,” Patullo explained. He reflected on his coaching journey, noting that the last time he worked from the booth was as a quality control assistant for Chan Gailey with the Buffalo Bills. After that season, he transitioned to a field role, which has been the norm throughout his subsequent years in the NFL with teams like the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts.
Coaching Styles and NFL Norms
The coaching landscape in the NFL is diverse, with different styles and preferences shaping how teams operate on game days. While Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio conducts his duties from the coaching box, Patullo finds his comfort and effectiveness on the field. He believes that his established relationships with players and the immediate feedback provided in person contribute significantly to the team’s preparation and execution.
As the Eagles continue to grapple with their offensive struggles, Patullo is focused on improving in areas where they can enhance their performance. The discussions surrounding his role and coaching style highlight the ongoing evolution of strategies within the NFL, as coaches seek to find the right balance between oversight and connection with their players.
