Both Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts faced scrutiny in the aftermath of the team’s decline in performance during the latter half of the 2023 season.
The Athletic’s NFL insider, Dianna Russini, disclosed on Friday that the relationship between the two parties is currently undergoing development, as they approach a potentially pivotal season for the franchise.
“According to Russini, there was a lack of harmony between them last year as a result of their differing personalities,” she clarified. “Nick, we’ve seen, is a highly emotional guy. Jalen is an extremely reserved individual. They are distinct individuals, which is OK. While it is not necessary for all individuals to possess identical qualities, it is imperative that they share a common understanding and agreement regarding their offensive strategies and objectives.
Hurts agreed to a five-year contract extension in the spring of 2023, which is said to be valued at a maximum of $255 million. The contract includes a guaranteed amount of $179.3 million. However, following the Eagles’ decline from a 10-1 record to 11-6, Hurts’ leadership skills were called into question. This was further highlighted by their devastating 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card playoff game in January. In her article on Friday, Russini stated that Sirianni’s play-calling style is conservative, which is not well-received by a franchise quarterback.
Russini additionally revealed that general manager Howie Roseman currently possesses complete authority within the organization and played a significant role in the decision to separate from defensive coordinator Sean Desai and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson this winter. Vic Fangio assumed the position previously held by Desai, while Kellen Moore took over the role previously held by Johnson.
“Johnson had a great relationship with Hurts, which is part of the reason why he was promoted before the 2023 season after Shane Steichen left to take the [Indianapolis Colts head-coaching job],” Russini observed.
Sirianni’s seat purportedly “could probably not be hotter” following the 2023 season, and the Eagles have regularly been linked in articles with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. While Russini noted that “Sirianni was never really in danger” of losing his job this past January after he coached the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII in February 2023, she also warned that Roseman won’t allow another one-and-done postseason performance from the club.
“Roseman believes this is a championship roster,” Russini said. “What that means: If Sirianni doesn’t take them to that level in 2024, the leash probably isn’t very long.”
Per Greg Dudek of NESN, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on a recent edition of the “Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard” podcast that Belichick “would want [the Eagles job] in the worst way” if it opens up in January 2025. Additionally, some believe the Eagles could at least explore moving on from Hurts as soon as next offseason.
In short, Sirianni and Hurts must get on the same page if they want to continue working together in Philadelphia.
