Schefter reports that the Eagles think there is no credible evidence supporting the rumors about Nick Sirianni being on the hot seat.
The Philadelphia Eagles concluded the regular season with a disappointing stretch, losing five of their last six games after a promising 10-1 start. This downturn has sparked frustration among fans and raised concerns about the job security of head coach Nick Sirianni.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, on NFL Countdown, reported that the organization doesn’t seem inclined to make a coaching change at the moment. Despite ongoing speculation about Sirianni’s future, the Eagles have made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. However, the wildcard in this situation is the opinion of owner Jeffrey Lurie, which remains unknown. If Lurie is dissatisfied with the team’s postseason performance, it could become a significant factor to monitor.
From an outsider’s perspective, firing Sirianni after a successful three-season record of 34-17, three playoff appearances, a recent Super Bowl appearance, and the development of Jalen Hurts as an MVP candidate in 2022 would seem like an unusual move that guarantees job security.
Nevertheless, Philadelphia is known for its demanding sports market, and the Eagles’ recent struggles, including blowout losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, as well as defeats against non-playoff teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, have intensified scrutiny.
One major issue is the challenging transition in coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Shane Steichen replaced by Brian Johnson, and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon succeeded by Sean Desai and later Matt Patricia. On the offensive side, the team dropped from third in yards and points last season to eighth in yards and seventh in points under Johnson.
However, the primary concern is the defense, which plummeted from second in points allowed and eighth in yards allowed last season, leading the NFL in sacks, to 26th in yards allowed, 30th in points allowed, and tied for 19th in sacks this season.
While there are additional factors contributing to the team’s struggles, such as Jalen Hurts’ increased turnover rate and issues in addressing needs at linebacker and cornerback, the change in coordinators remains a focal point in Philadelphia, particularly on the defensive side.
As Sirianni made these coaching appointments, he is being held responsible, at least in the eyes of the fans. A substantial loss in the upcoming game against Tampa Bay could lead to significant changes, and whether Sirianni’s job is at risk remains uncertain.
