John Harbaugh’s Super Bowl Winning Decision in 2012 Serves as a Case Study for Eagles’ Sean Desai Situation

A season that started with so much to offer suddenly turned into a nightmare for the Philadelphia Eagles. On a 2-game losing streak, the Eagles’ HC, Nick Sirianni, knew he had to change something. Hence, he demoted his defensive coordinator Sean Desai in a shock move. But he can find solace in John Harbaugh’s similar decision that led him to win the Super Bowl in 2012.

Last Sunday, the Eagles were handed another defeat by the Dallas Cowboys. With a record of 10-3, the Eagles have already clinched a playoff spot. Despite that HC Sirianni made a monumental change in the squad. But this change is not without precedent.

The Eagles replicate John Harbaugh’s 2012 move

Back in 2012, John Harbaugh the HC for the Baltimore Ravens did something no one thought was required. The Ravens were 9-4 and were almost in the playoffs, but back-to-back losses forced Harbaugh to fire his offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, and replace him with Jim Caldwell. Caldwell was at that time the quarterback coach for the Ravens.

This move could have backfired badly, as something like this had never been done before. But Harbaugh knew what needed to change and that change brought him favorable results. The Ravens won the Super Bowl XLVII.

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Now the Eagles and HC Sirianni would be looking to replicate similar results. A new defensive coordinator promoted from within will be the play caller on the sidelines against next week’s opponents the Seahawks. But, who will take over in Desai’s absence?

Matt Patricia will be down on the sidelines

Matt Patricia was hired earlier this year to be the defensive assistant for the Eagles. Now he will be on the sidelines, replacing ex-defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Recently the Philadelphia Inquirer stated about the situation that led to Desai’s demotion.

“Sean’s smart and the guys like him, but he doesn’t carry himself with confidence”, a team source told the Inquirer. Desai’s confidence might be in free fall now that he will be up in the coaches’ box rather than on the field guiding the teams’ defensive calls.

Do you think the Eagles will be able to replicate the Ravens’ 2012 success by winning the Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments.

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