Nick Sirianni, Jalen Hurts rewarded with high quarterback-head coach ranking

Arguably, the most criticized head coach and quarterback duo in NFL history, with the Philadelphia Eagles' Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts, might finally be getting the respect they deserve.

Entering the 2024 season, Sirianni was on the hot seat after the disastrous end to the 2023 season and was forced to make changes to his coaching staff. Hurts was feeling the heat as well with his late-game interceptions at the end of 2023 that cost them multiple games.

The duo turned it all around after a 2-2 start to 2024 and finished 14-3 in the regular season. That concluded with a dominating playoff run that helped them capture the franchise's second Super Bowl title.

While there have still been criticisms between Hurts and Sirianni, it appears the negative chatter is starting to die down.

Sirianni and Hurts are getting the proper respect they deserve

FanSided writer Sayre Bedinger recently ranked the best head coach-quarterback duos in the NFL ahead of OTAs. Sirianni and Hurts were ranked third behind the Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson, and the Kansas City Chiefs' Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.

"There are a lot of folks out there who don’t love Nick Sirianni as a head coach and plenty of others who dislike Jalen Hurts as a standalone starting quarterback in the NFL. Yet somehow, these guys work extremely well together. They do a great job of playing their roles and doing their jobs consistently. Sirianni has surrounded himself with great coaches and Hurts made a great adjustment to his game last year to limit mistakes. And it resulted in another Lombardi for Philly."

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made what was a controversial selection of Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after fans believed Carson Wentz was the starter. Hurts proved from his rookie season that he had potential and has exceeded expectations, earning two Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl trips, a Super Bowl title, and a Super Bowl MVP award in his five-year resume.

Sirianni has one of the most impressive resumes for a first-time head coach in NFL history, having never had a losing season and made the postseason in each of his four years. His 48 wins in his first four seasons are the second most in NFL history behind former San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert, who had 52.

The pair has become inseparable over the last four years and has shown that they can overcome any adversity to continue winning games. Some may not like the approach they take, as it isn't always the prettiest, but a Super Bowl title is undoubtedly enough to silence the doubters.