AJ Dillon’s Eagles Future Brightens with Coaching Shakeup

AJ Dillon‘s prospects with the Philadelphia Eagles have grown uncertain after a challenging start this season, but recent coaching adjustments could improve his standing. Following a neck injury that sidelined him for all of 2024, the former Green Bay Packers running back was signed by the Eagles for one year, yet managed only 60 rushing yards on 12 carries. Despite a difficult second act, the arrival of former Packers assistants Ryan Mahaffey and Sean Mannion in key offensive roles suggests Dillon’s Eagles future might receive a boost.

Ryan Mahaffey has been hired as the Eagles’ run game coordinator and tight ends coach, while Sean Mannion steps in as the offensive coordinator. Both bring experience from Green Bay, where Dillon spent his early NFL years. Their familiarity with the Packers’ offensive style raises hopes that the Eagles may tailor their run game more effectively to Dillon’s strengths, potentially giving the running back a chance to prove himself again before the 2026 season.

Differences in Offensive Schemes Affect AJ Dillon’s Performance

Dillon’s initial season in Philadelphia did not reflect his previous impact, as the Eagles employed a power-blocking system that did not suit his running style. In contrast, Dillon thrived in Green Bay’s zone-blocking schemes, with 65.9% of his carries coming in such setups during his productive 2021 campaign. That year, he posted career highs with 803 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and a 61% success rate, according to Pro Football Focus.

The current Eagles backfield, featuring players like Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley alongside Dillon, runs nearly half of their carries in gap-blocking schemes rather than zone-based runs. This contrasts with how the Packers and some other teams like the Minnesota Vikings, under offensive line coach Chris Kuper, heavily utilize zone blocking. Kuper’s experience with strong zone scheme percentages suggests the Eagles might move in this direction, further aligning their approach with Dillon’s strengths.

Concerns About Injury and Explosiveness Remain

Despite the coaching changes and scheme possibilities, key questions about Dillon’s performance persist. His recovery from the neck injury was enough to maintain an active roster spot last season but likely impacted his effectiveness on the field. Moreover, Dillon’s ability to break off big runs has diminished; over his career, he has recorded only 16 breakaway runs of 15 yards or more, and his yards after contact have steadily decreased from 3.44 in 2020 to 2.69 in his final Packers season.

Addressing these issues will be critical if Dillon is to take advantage of any extended opportunity with the Eagles. His past success in a zone-blocking offense could be a blueprint for renewed productivity, but physical limitations and explosiveness remain concerns for coaching staff and team management.

Potential Outcomes for AJ Dillon and the Eagles Offense

The Eagles’ strategic decision to incorporate former Packers coaches into their offensive staff highlights their intention to reshape the run game, possibly favoring the style that once maximized Dillon’s impact. This shift could keep Dillon in Philadelphia’s plans for at least another year, giving him a chance to stay relevant on the team heading into 2026.

However, Dillon’s future will strongly depend on whether he can regain form and demonstrate progress under the new coaching regime. The lingering effects of injury and changes in team dynamics add layers of uncertainty to his NFL career.