Eagles QB Jalen Hurts credits Brian Johnson for his success

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has worked with several coaches, but one that he's had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with is Brian Johnson.

In fact, Hurts and Johnson go way back to when Hurts was just four years old and his dad coached Johnson in high school.

Johnson joined Hurts and the Eagles in 2021 under then first-year head coach Nick Sirianni who hired him as the team's quarterbacks coach.

Hurts' best season came under Johnson in 2022 when he led the Eagles to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl run. Hurts was also named NFC Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the MVP award that season.

After two years coaching the QBs, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator last fall.

The Eagles were off to a 10-1 hot start before running themselves into the ground and losing their final six of seven matchups. Despite the devastating ending, their offense still managed to finish ranked No. 7 in points scored and No. 8 in total yards. They also made it to the playoffs for the third straight year.

But following the devastating 2023 season-ending, the Eagles chose to move on from Johnson. 

Hurts addressed the Eagles' decision to let Johnson go for the first time this week where he credited his former QB coach for playing a major role in his success. 

"Brian, I think the best of him. He's been a huge part of my development and time here as an Eagle," Hurts said. "And it's been three years as a starter. He's been a part of all of that. I'm going into the fourth year this year. It'll be great, but I think he's still more than capable of being a big-time head coach in this league. I think he's on a trajectory to do that still. I just didn't think it was the right time for him. And, and that's that.

Johnson interviewed for a handful of coaching jobs this offseason but ultimately ended up with the Washington Commanders as an assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator alongside Dan Quinn. 

As for Hurts, he'll now learn another offensive system while working under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier.

"I'm excited to work with them," Hurts said. "I know they have a history of doing really good things. And I've actually, Coach Nuss recruited me to Florida back when I was coming out of high school, so I have a pre-existing relationship with him. We're just all excited. I know they're kind of finalizing some of the things and crossing their T's and dotting their I's in terms of what [the offense] is exactly going to be, but I'm just all ears. I'm a sponge and I think there's some beauty in that."