Nick Sirianni was encouraged by some of his players to be himself, but that advice may have backfired during the Eagles’ recent game against the Browns. In the closing moments of the Eagles’ 20-16 victory, which improved their record to 3-2, Sirianni was seen engaged in an animated exchange with fans at Lincoln Financial Field.
Throughout the game, the coach faced criticism from fans who were unhappy with the team’s scoreless first quarter—marking the seventh consecutive game without a touchdown in the first frame, a streak not seen in three decades.
As the game wound down, video footage captured Sirianni sarcastically gesturing to the fans while shouting that he couldn’t hear them. Despite the victory, the Eagles have struggled recently, recording a 4-7 record over their last 11 games dating back to last season.
At a post-game press conference, Sirianni, flanked by his children, described his behavior as having fun, saying he received encouragement during the bye week from players who wanted to see more of his upbeat energy.
Sirianni expressed, “When I’m operating, having fun, I think that breeds to the rest of the football team. If I want the guys to celebrate and be themselves after big plays, then I should probably do that myself, right?” He acknowledged the need for wisdom and discernment about when to express such emotions.
While Sirianni aimed to convey a relaxed attitude, his actions were somewhat atypical for an NFL head coach, who are typically expected to maintain a level of professionalism. Some might question how team owner Jeff Lurie would feel about such behavior from his head coach.
Additionally, during the game, Sirianni was seen engaging with Browns players Greg Newsom and Denzel Ward in a lighthearted way. In past interviews, he had indicated a desire to be more composed on the sideline, especially regarding interactions with officials.
Brandon Graham, celebrating his 200th game with the Eagles, stated he was one of the players who advised Sirianni to embrace his true self. He expressed understanding of the pressures Sirianni faces, particularly as a coach in Philadelphia.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts echoed similar sentiments, reassuring Sirianni that the players trust him and value his leadership. “It’s a group effort from everybody,” Hurts noted, emphasizing the importance of respecting and accepting roles within the team.
Despite the rocky moments, Sirianni has led the Eagles to the playoffs in all three of his seasons and boasts a commendable record. However, his recent outbursts could potentially alienate fans, especially following a narrow win over a struggling team.
Sirianni acknowledged the influence of the fans, stating that while they thrive on positive cheers, the boos are less appreciated and not beneficial to the team’s morale.