Fords Eagles’ fans look towards future

The scene at the Lincoln Financial Field as the Eagles face the 49ers, January 11, 2026 – courtesy of Fran Grandieri ’29

Just a year ago, the Eagles made a fantastic postseason run and won their second Super Bowl. The team was unstoppable, and fans in and around the city were loving it. This year, hopes for another championship were cut short. The Birds faced a disappointing elimination in the first round.

Two weeks after the loss, Haverford community members were still stunned.

Fourth Former Sean Friel said, “I’m still upset and outraged by what happened at the end of the season. We couldn’t get any offense going, and it was very disappointing.”

The future of the team is unclear. Many contracts are ending, and trade rumors have circulated. Kevin Patullo was hired to the coaching staff in 2021 as pass-game coordinator. Patullo had many ups and downs and was eventually promoted to offensive coordinator following last year’s Super Bowl win. After facing backlash from fans, head coach Nick Sirianni decided to fire Patullo at the end of this season.

Friel said, “I like the Patullo firing. He put us in a position for failure.”

As the search for a new offensive coordinator continues, many are still wondering what the fate of star wide receiver A.J. Brown will look like. Brown was acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans nearly four years ago. Since then, he has brought leadership and talent to the team.

Surprisingly, Brown had a down year this season. He had noticeably lower production and poor leadership. One of the main instances was on the sideline versus the 49ers when he engaged in an intense argument with Sirianni.

“[Brown’s] performance was abysmal, four dropped catches in a game like that. It should not happen,” Fifth Former R.J. Neilly said. “They need to get rid of him and find a new young receiver.”

This seems to be the thought process behind many fans.