Sean Mannion still deciding where he will call Eagles plays

PHILADELPHIA — Sean Mannion knows he will call the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive plays this season. Where he will perform that responsibility remains undecided. The first-year offensive coordinator said the Eagles have scheduled simulated game situations that will allow him to test calling plays from the sideline and the coaches’ booth. Mannion plans to evaluate both setups before choosing his regular-season location.

“We’re still working through all of that,” Mannion said. “We have some simulated games here at practice where I’ll get to get a feel for both of them.”

Each option provides a different advantage. Calling plays from the booth gives a coordinator a broader view of defensive alignments, coverage rotations, and how formations develop across the field. The quieter setting can also make it easier to process information between plays. Working from the sideline creates more direct communication with Jalen Hurts and the rest of the offense. Mannion would be able to speak with players immediately after a series, make corrections and gauge the unit’s response without relying entirely on the headset.

>That access could add extra value for a coordinator entering his first season as an NFL play-caller. Mannion is introducing new formations and concepts while attempting to build a collaborative relationship with Hurts and Philadelphia’s other offensive players. The decision will also depend on how Mannion communicates with the rest of the coaching staff. Information must travel quickly between the booth, the sideline, and the quarterback, regardless of where the coordinator is stationed.

>Mannion said Philadelphia has already identified multiple practices in which he will experiment with both arrangements.

“That’s something we’ve already charted out a couple days to kind of work through both of those options,” Mannion said.

There is no need for the Eagles to rush the choice. Training camp and the preseason provide time to determine which setup allows Mannion to see the game clearly, communicate efficiently and make decisions comfortably.

>For the moment, both possibilities remain open. Philadelphia will use simulated games to determine which one gives its new play caller the best chance to succeed.

>This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Sean Mannion still deciding where he will call Eagles plays