PHILADELPHIA — Twenty-two years ago, Kevin Patullo began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of South Florida, his alma mater, whose football program was in its infancy. Now at age 44, he’s the rookie offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Patullo will make his regular-season debut calling plays Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. He handled three preseason games, but now opposing defenses will be game-planning for the Birds.

Now it counts.

“I’m excited,” an upbeat Patullo said Monday at NovaCare Complex. “I mean, it’s fun. It’s a huge opportunity, obviously, but it goes back to even in year one with Nick (head coach Nick Sirianni), just working through all the situations and things that we’ve done together.

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