The Philadelphia Eagles have announced the hiring of Nick Sirianni as their new head coach. Over the course of the 2020 NFL season, Sirianni served as offensive coordinator on the surprise 11-5 Indianapolis Colts.
The Eagles head coaching search had recently narrowed to two potentials – Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Sirianni who was reported to have had a two day interview earlier this week emerged as the lead candidate shortly before the announcement.
Sirianni, who is the less experienced of the two candidates, pulled ahead of McDaniels as the Eagles called around the league and heard from his references.
The Eagles search primarily came down to the Carson Wentz situation, and which candidate was most likely to get the most out of the position. After firing Doug Pederson, whose relationship with Wentz had soured, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said: “It behooves us as a team with a new coach, a new coaching staff, to be able to really get [Wentz] back to that elite progression.”
(image credit – phillyvoice.com)
Why The Eagles Hired Nick Sirianni
Sirianni has largely been credited with the reemergence of Philip Rivers as an efficient quarterback in 2020. Rivers who suffered setbacks in 2018 and 2019, had a revitalization of sorts with a 68% completion percentage, 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rivers completed the season with a 97.0 passer rating and the Indianapolis Colts had a 11-5 record with a playoff showing.
While the Sirianni hire is largely considered to be an educated gamble, what he is able to do with embattled quarterback Carson Wentz will define the success of this hire.
