When Nick Sirianni signed a multi-year contract extension, several Philadelphia Eagles stars made it clear they were excited to see him stay. Wide receiver A.J. Brown said he didn’t even ask how long the extension runs—he just knows he’s sticking with Sirianni.
“Last week I told him congrats, and I told him I’m done when he’s done,” Brown said.
Brown wasn’t the only one showing support. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and left tackle Jordan Mailata also praised Sirianni after the news broke on Tuesday.
Sirianni has led the Eagles to one of the league’s best records since becoming head coach in 2021. He’s 54-23 overall, including playoff games, and his .701 win percentage ranks fifth all-time among NFL head coaches with at least 75 games. In his first four seasons, he’s already guided the team to four playoff appearances, two NFC Championships, and one Super Bowl victory.
When team owner Jeffrey Lurie hired Sirianni to replace Doug Pederson—who brought home the team’s first Super Bowl title—he was relatively unknown. His first press conference didn’t go over well with fans or media. Then came a slow 2-5 start in his first season, and his “flower growth” analogy for team development was widely mocked.
Things got even harder after the 2023 season, when the Eagles lost five of their last six games. That rough finish, along with rumors of tension between Sirianni and Hurts, raised questions about the coach’s job security.
Despite the difficult ending last season, Hurts has recently spoken positively about Sirianni.
“Congrats to him,” Hurts said. “Everything he’s achieved, he’s earned. Watching his growth and being his quarterback from the start, it’s been a great experience. We’ve both learned a lot — and I hope we’re just getting started.”
Jordan Mailata praised Sirianni not just for winning, but for growing as a leader.
“When I think about Coach Sirianni’s growth, I also think about mine,” Mailata said. “Back then, he talked about planting seeds like a flower, and now I want to give him his flowers. He’s done a phenomenal job building our locker room culture. It’s no surprise he got a new deal.”
Mailata adeed that Sirianni owns his mistakes and leads with accountability. “He’s always like, ‘Me first, then you,’” Mailata added. “He means a lot to this team and this franchise.”
When Lurie introduced Sirianni in 2021, he said the hire was based on potential. Sirianni had never been a head coach before, but Lurie saw someone with a high football IQ, tireless work ethic, and willingness to grow. He also liked that Sirianni was open to hiring people from outside his inner circle.
That fire and edge have helped Sirianni succeed, though it hasn’t always been smooth. In 2023, he got into heated exchanges with fans during a game against the Browns and with former tight end Zach Ertz after a game against Washington. Sirianni has worked to better manage those emotions, keeping his energy focused on the team.
Sirianni said the tough moments in his career—and his life—have shaped him into a better coach.
“Anyone trying to reach the top is going to face adversity,” he said. “Whether it was my leg injury in 2001, my dad’s battle with cancer, or the way last season ended — I’ve faced setbacks. Even my first press conference. But I’ve found good in all of it. These moments shape who I am.”
Now, with a new contract and full support from his team, Sirianni’s journey in Philadelphia continues—with even bigger goals ahead.
This report used information from ESPN.
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