Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

The Teacher

Posted June 8th, 2026 | No Comments »

While I was indisposed for a bit, Sean Mannion met with the media for the first time and I was highly impressed with his press conference. He answered questions in a thoughtful, honest way. He offered good insight. He seemed genuine and bright. I could understand where he impressed the Eagles and they chose him to be the new OC.

The thing that stood out the most to me was him talking about being a teacher. I think that is a critical trait for coaches. Mannion said both of his parents were teachers so he understands the value of that. I recently read The Genius, a book about Bill Walsh. He was brilliant schematically, but also was a great teacher. He would see something work in practice, but if it wasn’t done with precision he wanted it done again. Process over results. If Jerry Rice has to reach behind him to make a catch, that’s not acceptable. Joe Montana’s footwork and Rice’s route have to match timing-wise. Good enough isn’t good enough. It is done right or wrong.

I can’t stress how great it is to hear an answer like that. Chip Kelly is the first coach I can recall explaining how today’s players want to know why, not just what or how. He came from college and you know kids love to question everything. I think more and more coaches now can explain why because that’s the world we live in. The days of an authoritarian coach lording over his players are mostly gone. You better be player friendly if you want to succeed.

Mannion also impressed me by talking about meshing his scheme with things the Eagles already did. For all the frustrations with the offense, the basic scheme did get the Eagles to a pair of Super Bowls. Much of that was relying on superior talent, but you can still keep certain elements that the team did well. Mannion isn’t so in love with his scheme that he can’t keep an open mind and mix things in. That’s good coaching.

Some people are worried because Mannion hasn’t called plays before. He explained that he’s practiced at it and is always thinking what he would do in a given situation. A lot of plays are decided on in the game-planning during the week so that guys aren’t going crazy on gameday. Andy Reid had little play-calling experience before joining the Eagles and he did okay. Mannion will have his ups and downs. All coaches do.

The players seem to believe in him.

Some people took that as a jab at Nick Sirianni and the other coaches. That’s not how I took that at all. Mailata is hyping his new coach. There are going to be ups and downs, especially early on. The last thing we need is everyone ripping Mannion as Kevin Patullo Jr. Mailata has tsken on more of a leadership role and I think this is his way of showing support.

There really are two keys to the offense this season. The OL needs to be healthier this year. We’ll have to wait and see how Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens look this summer. I do think there is better depth this year so that could help if there are issues.

The most important factor is for Jalen Hurts to fully buy in to the new system. I loved Mannion talking about connecting with Hurts as a person first and foremost. That’s Nick Sirianni 101. Build a personal relationship and then mix in football. So far the new marriage seems to be off to a good start.

There is a lot of reason for optimism right now, but the proof will be in the pudding (chocolate of course). I do think it is important for everyone to be patient. There will be some bumps in the road. We have to give Mannion some time to fix problems and Hurts will need some time to fully acclimate himself in the new system.

*****

Howie is always looking.

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