The Houston Texans reportedly requested permission to interview Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for their head coaching position, according to reports.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Steichen news. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Gannon news.
Houston fired head coach Lovie Smith on Sunday night after a 3-13-1 season. This is the second consecutive year the Texans fired a coach after one season. Houston will have the second overall pick in the draft.
As is NFL standard practice, coordinators on top teams are often hot items when head coaching jobs arise. The Eagles are 14-3 and have the bye in the NFC playoffs.
Steichen took over play-calling duties from head coach Nick Sirianni this season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a breakout season as the offense has flourished.
The Eagles finished with the NFL’s second-ranked offense — fifth-best on the ground and ninth-best through the air.
Steichen, along with quarterback coach Brian Johnson, have received praise for their work with Hurts, a possible league MVP candidate.
Gannon was a head coaching candidate last season, too. At least three teams requested permission to interview him after the 2021 season — the Texans, Broncos and Vikings. Gannon often is the recipient of fans’ displeasure for his bend-but-don’t-break defense but he is highly regarded around the league.
The Eagles finished with the NFL’s second-ranked defense — first-ranked against the pass and tied for 16th against the rush. The Eagles also led the NFL in sacks with 70. Last year, they were ranked 31st with only 29 sacks.
Four other teams currently have head coaching openings — the Cardinals, Panthers, Colts and Broncos.
