Are there irreconcilable differences between Hurts and Sirianni?

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (left) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (right). Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Are there irreconcilable differences in Philadelphia between Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni?

By Victor Haltom | Last updated Oct 1, 2024 12:39 PM ET

Combining the tail end of the 2023 season and the first few games of 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles have lost nine of their last 12 games. For a team with abundant star power, high expectations and a demanding fan base, futility of this magnitude is perplexing and intolerable.

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers routed the Eagles 33-16 on Sunday, quarterback Jalen Hurts fielded questions from the media. When a reporter asked whether Hurts and coach Nick Sirianni, as "big voices on the team," would work together on formulating a message to deliver to the assistant coaches and players about a path forward in the aftermath of the loss, a visibly exasperated Hurts offered an enigmatic response: "We have our moments."

That drew some responses from notable members of the NFL community, including former NFL offensive lineman Jeff Saturday, who claimed Hurts "has no respect" for his HC.

Appearing on ESPN's "Get Up," NFL insider Dan Graziano explained that the deterioration of the relationship between Hurts and Sirianni could signify the nearing end of Sirianni's tenure in Philadelphia.

"If this is the kind of stuff that’s being said about him at this time of year, it’s hard to see, unless they make a deep playoff run, him coming back next year to coach the Eagles," Graziano said.

In light of the relative lack of stability in the head-coaching position in Philadelphia since Andy Reid's departure in 2012 (Chip Kelly from 2013 to 2015, Pat Shurmur in 2015 and Doug Pederson from 2016 to 2020), Graziano's assessment seems sound. If Hurts and Sirianni do not get on the same page and deliver wins, Sirianni's days are numbered.

The Eagles have a bye in Week 5. Then, in what looks to be a pivotal game for the team and Sirianni, they host the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 13.

Victor Haltom

Victor Haltom began his undergraduate studies at SMU, then transferred to Penn State, graduating with BA in philosophy. He has extensive writing and editing experience, with over 250 sports-related articles having been published.

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