Reports: Matt Patricia to call defensive plays for Eagles

Field Level Media|published: Sun 17th December, 13:24 2023

Aug 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach Matt Patricia stands with general manager Howie Roseman before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles have made an adjustment in their defensive coaching ranks ahead of Monday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

NFL Network reported Sunday that former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia, a coaching consultant for the Eagles, will be on the sideline calling the plays Monday. Defensive coordinator Sean Desai will move upstairs to the booth.

The move comes as the Eagles (10-3) have lost two games in a row. They gave up 42 points to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13 and 33 to the Dallas Cowboys last week.

In Week 12, Philadelphia defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-34 in overtime, which marked only the second time in franchise history that the Eagles gave up at least 33 points in three straight weeks, per NFL.com. The only other stretch came in 1967.

Patricia was the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots from 2012-2017 but joined Bill Belichick's coaching staff in 2005, making him part of two Super Bowl-winning teams.

The Eagles reached Super Bowl LVII in February, losing 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs, with improved defense key in order to make a return trip.

Philadelphia's defense ranks 23rd in the league, giving up an average of 353.9 yards per game. The Eagles are 28th in the league in points allowed at 24.7 per game.

—Field Level Media