Why Kevin Patullo Could Unlock Jalen Hurts Like No Coordinator Before originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Change has been the only constant for Jalen Hurts throughout his NFL career. Six seasons, six different play-callers — a carousel that would dizzy most quarterbacks into mediocrity. Yet Hurts has not only survived the instability, he’s thrived, culminating in a Super Bowl LIX MVP performance that capped the Philadelphia Eagles’ championship run.
Now comes Kevin Patullo, elevated from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator following Kellen Moore’s departure to New Orleans. But this promotion represents something fundamentally different from the coordinator changes that have defined Hurts’ professional journey. For the first time, the Eagles are betting on continuity over reinvention — and the early signs suggest it might be their smartest offensive decision yet.
Unlike previous coordinator changes that introduced entirely new voices and systems, Patullo’s promotion offers something the Eagles haven’t had in years: genuine continuity. The 43-year-old coach has worked alongside Hurts since arriving in Philadelphia in 2021, building a relationship and understanding the quarterback’s strengths in ways that take years to develop.
This gradual development stands in stark contrast to the jarring transitions of past seasons — particularly when Moore implemented what Hurts called a “95% new” system. Patullo’s background provides unique advantages. Having coached both quarterbacks and wide receivers throughout his career, he understands how to coordinate timing and spacing between the two positions.
His experience with Chan Gailey — known for his adaptable offensive mind — taught him how to trust players and set up successful play sequences, skills that translate perfectly to maximizing Hurts’ dual-threat abilities.
The statistical foundation supports optimism about this pairing. During Patullo’s four years as passing game coordinator, the Eagles ranked second in the league in yards per reception, while Hurts posted career highs in completion percentage and passer rating.
What makes Patullo’s approach particularly appealing is his philosophy of building on existing strengths rather than starting from scratch. He’s emphasized streamlining the offense to maintain familiar terminology while making strategic improvements. Head coach Nick Sirianni has noted how much he relies on Patullo’s input for decisions both in-game and out-of-game, creating a collaborative foundation that already understands the team’s offensive identity.
Patullo has observed Hurts’ development closely and sees continued growth potential. He’s praised the quarterback’s evolution into “a really complete player in the pass game” and noted how quarterback meetings have become more productive as Hurts has developed a deeper understanding of defensive concepts.
The tactical advantages extend beyond familiarity. Patullo will call plays from the sideline, maintaining the direct interaction with Hurts that he’s fostered for four seasons. His comprehensive understanding of each position group — gained from sitting in on all the offensive meeting rooms — gives him a unique perspective on how to coordinate the unit effectively.
This transition eliminates the typical adjustment period that comes with new coordinators. There’s no need for Hurts to learn a new personality, build trust with unfamiliar voices, or decode different communication styles.
Early training camp reports suggest the transition is proceeding smoothly, with positive energy both on the field and in meetings. The absence of new-coordinator growing pains could allow the Eagles to hit the ground running as they pursue back-to-back championships.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.