Inside the Eagles: Nick Sirianni’s Unique Approach to Coaching
PHILADELPHIA — Picture this: It’s a sunny spring day during the Eagles’ OTAs, and head coach Nick Sirianni casually taps left tackle Jordan Mailata on the shoulder. “Hey, come up and see me in my office when you have time,” he says. Now, if you’re Mailata, your mind might start racing. “F—, what did I do wrong?” he thought. Was it something at practice? A slip-up with the media?
Mailata, ever the pragmatist, decided to grab a plate of food from the cafeteria first. “If I was getting told off, I was getting told off eating,” he joked. But when he reached Sirianni’s office, the coach wasn’t there. Instead, Mailata found him deep in conversation with a group of assistants in a meeting room. Trying to make a quick exit, Mailata was stopped by Sirianni, who insisted on having a chat.
“Have a seat,” Sirianni said. “You’re not in trouble or anything. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. How’s Dad doing?”
Mailata was taken aback. “Because he knew about Dad,” he said. His father, Tupa’i, had suffered a heart attack on a flight back to Australia after watching his son play in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2023. It was a scary time for the family, unsure if Tupa’i would pull through.
Sirianni became a confidant for Mailata during this period, offering a safe space for him to express his feelings. “He was very supportive and said if I needed to miss time, I could miss time. That meant the world to me,” Mailata shared. “I love that guy. I’ll do anything for Nick to be honest.”
The Enigma of Nick Sirianni
Sirianni is a bit of a puzzle to the public. He’s known for his fiery sideline antics, whether it’s reaming referees, taunting opposing players, or even engaging with fans in the stands. His passionate displays have been both criticized and celebrated. Yet, despite the theatrics, his teams have a knack for winning. The Eagles have achieved 14 regular-season wins twice in their 91-year history, both under Sirianni’s leadership in just four years.
With a record of 48-20, Sirianni boasts the third-best winning percentage (.706) by a head coach in the Super Bowl era, trailing only legends John Madden and George Allen. He’s also among the select few coaches to reach the postseason in each of their first four seasons, joining the ranks of John Harbaugh, Bill Cowher, John Robinson, Chuck Knox, and Paul Brown.
While a talent-rich roster has certainly contributed to the Eagles’ success, Sirianni’s role in setting the team’s culture cannot be understated. His focus on connectivity has been a hallmark of his tenure, even as he transitioned to a more CEO-like role, handing over offensive duties to coordinator Kellen Moore. Sirianni’s personal touch, from handwritten letters to deep conversations, has fostered a strong sense of player buy-in.
- Handwritten letters from Sirianni are cherished by players like Mailata, who received one after being voted captain for the first time.
- Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers treasures his letter, reading it before every game.
- Linebacker Nakobe Dean received encouragement from Sirianni after overcoming injuries.
Veteran long snapper Rick Lovato summed it up: “It’s incredible to have a coach like him who cares about each individual on this team like that. Yeah, he’s a special coach.”
Personal Connections and Challenges
Sirianni’s ability to connect with players on a personal level is evident in his interactions with Mailata, Lovato, and others. When Lovato and his wife faced fertility struggles, Sirianni offered support and celebrated with them when they announced their pregnancy. Similarly, Sirianni shared his own family’s cancer struggles with defensive tackle Milton Williams, whose mother was battling breast cancer.
But perhaps the most scrutinized relationship is between Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reports of a disconnect in offensive visions led to tension, but after a series of conversations, the two found common ground, propelling the Eagles to a 14-3 finish after a rocky start.
“I’m happy and fortunate that we were able to come together in harmony and have the same goal in mind,” Hurts said. “I got a ton of confidence in him.”
Facing Challenges Head-On
Sirianni’s leadership style is characterized by confronting issues directly. After a rocky introductory news conference, he candidly addressed the team, acknowledging his missteps. This honesty has earned him respect from players like right tackle Lane Johnson.
When rumors of a rift between Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown surfaced, Sirianni addressed it head-on, clearing the air and refocusing the team.
Through it all, Sirianni’s players have come to understand and appreciate his passionate nature. “Could he be more professional? One hundred percent,” Mailata said. “But we’ve always supported him in saying, ‘Just be you.'”
Sirianni’s willingness to take the heat for his players’ missteps has earned their loyalty. “That’s my job: to take the heat off you guys so you can go out there and play free,” he told Mailata.
Originally Written by: Tim McManus
