Dawn Staley shares wisdom and belief in Jalen Hurts

USA Today

2 days ago

Dawn Staley recently took some time to remind Jalen Hurts of his greatness.
You wouldn't believe how many texts and emails have been exchanged that mention Dawn Staley, her Philadelphia connection, and the belief that she, as a women's basketball coach, could succeed in a male-dominated industry. Fear not, Nick Sirianni's job as Philadelphia Eagles head coach is safe, but don't be shocked if you hear rumors about the NBA's interest in Coach Staley.
Be honest with yourselves. How many of you believe Dawn would do a worse job than Doc Rivers did at times, or Nick Nurse is doing now? Okay, maybe that's unfair on Nurse's front. There's only so much a man can do when placed in a tunnel with no light at the end. Here's the point.
There is talent in the coaching ranks in women's basketball. Some of the best in the business could make some noise coaching men's athletics, and Dawn is respected enough that she would make anyone listen.
Put a pin in that. We'll revisit later and focus more on why we've gathered today. Did you hear the advice she offered to Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts?
Dawn Staley is Philly born and bred. She's also a die-hard Eagles fan who has befriended Jalen Hurts through their mutual friend, South Carolina Gamecocks and Eagles legend Duce Staley. They have shown public support for each other, and recently, Coach Staley reiterated that support.
Dawn hung out for an episode of Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce. As you might expect, a discussion about the Eagles entered the conversation, one where Coach offered some solid advice for Hurts.
"I know sometimes when you play for a team that's in Philly, and you're the quarterback, and you're the star, it really is a lonely place... He's QB1. We lose, the city goes crazy, so I know it's a lonely place. Sometimes, I text him, 'Hey, don't get too high with the highs or low.' He doesn't... He doesn't now. He's the coolest cat that I know, but sometimes you need to hear that you're the only one who is going to feel the pressure of everybody else, because other people in other positions can just kind of go under the radar, so to speak."
Hurts' run with the Eagles has seen it all: ups and downs, praise and criticism, a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss, and an exhilarating Super Bowl win. Hurts and Staley share a special bond, and she occasionally shoots the quarterback a phone call for support.
"When it's the quarterback, and we know you've got the potential to take us to Super Bowls and win Super Bowls, you really feel the pressure. So, I'm just like 'Hang in there. (I'm) thinking about you. It's Philly, so ride the wave.
And, we rode the wave with him all the way to the Super Bowl, where it wasn't even a question about whether or not we were going to win."
Wow! It's easy to see why she has won three NCAA Division I Tournament championships. We reiterate. We have zero issues with her being the next head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, as long as the leadership there doesn't get in her way and disrupt things.