Eagles coach Sirianni admits he needs more ‘wisdom’ after trash-talking own fans
Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized Monday for gesticulating and jawing at the home crowd during the final moments of a victory in which restless fans booed a lethargic performance and chanted “Fire Nick!” chants broke out at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sirianni – a habitual goofball – put a finger to his right ear on Sunday and chirped at the fans in the front rows at the Linc. Later, Sirianni, flanked by his three young children, defended his actions, saying he was simply “excited” to achieve a victory. The fourth-year coach added that the Eagles “don’t necessarily like it” when fans boo during home games.
But Sirianni struck a conciliatory tone on Monday after his behavior was attacked by fans and media.
“I tried to bring energy yesterday. Energy, enthusiasm,” Sirianni said on Monday. “I’m sorry and disappointed with the way my energy was spent at the end of the match. My energy must be completely focused on coaching, motivating and celebrating with our boys. I need to have better wisdom and discernment about when to use that energy, and that wasn’t the time.
Sirianni said players urged him to bring the kind of passion he showed on the sidelines when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl in the 2022 season and started 10-1 last year. Jalen Hurts and Brandon Graham were among the veterans who publicly supported Sirianni after the Eagles (3-2) defeated lowly Cleveland 20-16.
Sirianni said he has not yet met with team owner Jeffrey Lurie to discuss Sunday’s incident. Sirianni attributed his change in tone to a period of reflection.
“You want to be passionate and have energy, just like I did there today with the guys when we watched film together,” Sirianni said. ‘It’s about discerning when to do that. I wish there was a playbook for that kind of thing. It would make the job a bit easier.”
Perhaps his most infamous fan interaction occurred last season when he barked at Chiefs fans after the Eagles won a Super Bowl rematch. The pressure on Sirianni increased after the Eagles lost six of seven games (including the playoffs) over the summer, putting his job in doubt over the summer. He was granted a reprieve from Lurie, but found himself embroiled in controversy again after failing to keep his emotions in check on Sunday.
“We have the best fans in the world. There’s no place like it,” Sirianni said. “They show up and show us wherever we are. Brazil, Arizona, it doesn’t matter.”