The Comeback That Saved Nick Sirianni's Career and Changed the Eagles
The transformation of Nick Sirianni's reputation reads like a sports movie script. Less than a year ago, the Philadelphia Eagles head coach was fielding questions about his job security after one of the most spectacular collapses in recent NFL history. Today, CBS Sports ranks him as the fourth-best head coach in the NFL — a dramatic leap from his No. 15 ranking just one year earlier.
This ranking places Sirianni in elite company, trailing only Andy Reid, Sean McVay and John Harbaugh. For a coach who was reportedly considered for dismissal after the 2023 season, it represents one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent coaching history.
The journey began with promise before everything unraveled. After starting the 2023 season 10-1, the Eagles finished 1-6 over their final seven games, capped by a humiliating wild-card playoff loss to Tampa Bay. The collapse was so complete that Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie reportedly reached out to Bill Belichick, with Sirianni landing on the hot seat.
When the 2024 season began with a 2-2 start, questions intensified. The situation reached its nadir in Week 6 when Sirianni took heat for yelling back at Philadelphia fans during an unimpressive win over Cleveland.
But champions are defined by their response to adversity. After that sluggish start, the Eagles dominated the remainder of the regular season, finishing 12-1 over their final 13 games. CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin captured the turnaround: 'His brash antics to close a pitiful 2023 collapse were enough to have Eagles fans reasonably pondering whether he'd totally failed an all-star assembly. Then he put his head down and became the behind-the-scenes glue for a remarkable rebound with a historically dominant finish.'
The transformation wasn't merely about wins and losses. Sirianni demonstrated genuine growth as a leader, making difficult changes to his coaching staff. He brought in Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. Under Fangio's leadership, the Eagles' defense led the NFL in yards allowed after finishing 22nd the previous season.
What makes this achievement impressive is the broader context. In just four seasons, Sirianni has compiled a 48-20 regular-season record, good for a .706 winning percentage — fifth-best in NFL history among coaches with at least 50 games. He holds the highest winning percentage of any head coach in Eagles history with that threshold.
Benjamin's assessment acknowledges both Sirianni's talent and the resources around him: 'Maybe he's boosted by Howie Roseman collecting premium talent across the board. But you don't shepherd two Super Bowl appearances in three years by accident. He embodies the Philadelphia spirit with his passion.'
The proof lies in execution: the same roster that collapsed in 2023 became dominant in 2024 under his leadership. Sirianni himself acknowledged how adversity shaped his team's championship run.
'I look back on last year and how last year ended and I'm grateful,' he said after winning Super Bowl LIX. 'As crazy as this sounds, I'm grateful how last year ended because it shaped us to who we are today.'
His pregame message before the Super Bowl was simple: 'Tough, detailed, together.' He explained, 'That's our core value. My job is not to inspire them. It's just more to remind them of the things they already know.'
The Eagles rewarded Sirianni's success with a multi-year contract extension in May 2025, with Lurie praising his 'authentic style of leadership, football intelligence, passion for the game, and growth mindset.'
From a coach who was once on the verge of being replaced, Sirianni has proven he belongs among the NFL's elite. The No. 4 CBS Sports ranking isn't just about where he stands today — it's about the respect he's earned through the crucible of Philadelphia football.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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