Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Nick Sirianni, Eagles Dealt Bad News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 10:30 PM ET

Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles didn't have the 2025 NFL season many had expected. After finishing the regular season with an 11-6 record, the Eagles were able to secure a second-straight NFC East title and the No. 3 seed in the NFC. But their Super Bowl defense was short-lived, falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round.

After the season, Philadelphia made numerous changes to Sirianni’s coaching staff. The Eagles dismissed offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after one year, replacing him with former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion. They also lost several assistants, including passing game coordinator Christian Parker, who joined NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator.

But while the Eagles nearly filled all their open coaching vacancies, Sirianni has now lost yet another assistant, this time on the defensive side of the ball.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Ronnell Williams began his NFL coaching career with the Chicago Bears in 2019, joining the team as the defensive quality control coach. After five years in Chicago, Williams elected to join the Eagles in 2023, working with the team's nickel cornerbacks, including former Pro Bowler James Bradberry.

In 2024, Williams was named Philadelphia’s assistant linebackers coach and defensive quality control coach, a role he held for the next two seasons. He even played a part in Zach Baun’s development over that span, helping the linebacker earn his first two Pro Bowl selections and his lone All-Pro honor. Not to forget helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX over the Kansas City Chiefs.

But on Wednesday, Williams decided to take a promotion elsewhere in the NFL, accepting the linebackers coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Sirianni without a key part of his defensive coaching staff. The Raiders also brought in Al Holcomb as their senior defensive assistant.

"Raiders named Ronell Williams their Linebackers Coach and Al Holcomb their Senior Defensive Assistant," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.

Raiders named Ronell Williams their Linebackers Coach and Al Holcomb their Senior Defensive Assistant.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2026

While Sirianni looks to replace Williams, the Eagles will also turn their attention to NFL free agency, which opens March 11, eyeing a return to the Super Bowl in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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