Pro Football Focus recently came out with their 2022 NFL head coach rankings and the Philadelphia Eagles are in a good spot. Ranked in the top half, Nick Sirianni comes in at No. 14 overall — landing in second among NFC East head coaches.
NICK SIRIANNI ‘GROWS’ INTO THE TOP HALF OF NFL HEAD COACHES
Nick Sirianni’s NFL career began with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. Becoming the offensive quality control coach, he was promoted to wide receivers coach before joining the San Diego Chargers in 2013. Sirianni began working with Frank Reich, and joined him again in Indianapolis as the Colts’ offensive coordinator.
Last season, Sirianni was hired to become the head coach of the Eagles, beginning a controversial career in Philadelphia. From less-than-confident press conferences to explaining that his team needed time to grow roots, Sirianni’s play calling abilities were also called into question. But, once the Eagles began making an impact in the run game, fans no longer wanted to send Sirianni packing.
In the first seven weeks of the 2021 season, Sirianni led the Eagles to just two wins. However, after establishing their identity in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, the Eagles won seven of their next ten games. Finishing with a 9-8 record, Philadelphia earned a playoff berth. Sirianni became the first Eagles head coach since 1995 to make the playoffs in their first year as head coach. He was only the second in franchise history to ever achieve this.
Since the offseason began, the Eagles have done a 180 compared to this time last year. The coaching staff understands their role, the team is evolving as they build around young quarterback Jalen Hurts, and Sirianni has put his ego aside for his team. Earlier this month, the head coach gave up play calling, handing over the role to offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.
He stated, “I think that’s where a lot of problems happen int he NFL is from an ego standpoint. It’s what is the best thing to do. If I said I’m going to stand on a table and run these plays that we ran with Philip Rivers, because that’s what we do, that’s an ego thing to me. So, its the same thing here. I felt like I needed to make a change in the sense of how to fee me up to be a better head coach, and I had a good assistant to call the plays, and so that’s what I went with.”
Heading into the 2022 season, Sirianni ranks among some of the best. Coming in above former Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson (No. 15), Sirianni will look to continue improving upon his role. He also ranks above NFC East rivals Ron Rivera (No. 18) of the Washington Commanders. Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants did not rank, as he will be entering his first season.
