A new NFL head coach has so many challenges.
Not only does he have to hire a staff that can carry his message and mission to the players, but he also has to win over the players in the locker room.
Experience tends to help except when the head coach is a rookie.
The Philadelphia Eagles hired rookie head coach Nick Sirianni in the offseason after firing Super Bowl Champion coach Doug Pederson.
Coach Sirianni’s Style
Sirianni has a different style than his any of his predecessors.
He played rock-paper-scissors with draft prospects.
#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni says he played rock-paper-scissors and trash talked with draft prospects to gauge their competitiveness.
"When you compete with someone that's competitive, they're gonna go at you no matter what game you're playing."pic.twitter.com/iMUIny1X0o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 21, 2021
Sirianni is very animated when discussing his message even if the analogies are not what we normally hear from an NFL head coach.
“Are you watering and are you fertilizing every day?” Nick Sirianni on his message to his team today. pic.twitter.com/pkEQElipz2
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) October 27, 2021
Are The Players Buying In?
It does not matter what the media thinks of Sirianni.
The important thing is how the players are responding to him.
Are they attuned to his slightly offbeat messaging?
Is the buy-in happening?
According to Eagles center Jason Kelce, the players are buying in.
#Eagles center Jason Kelce says guys are buying into Nick Sirianni’s message
Kelce says the Eagles are not good enough but guys are fighting and they have good leadership pic.twitter.com/cyDN5VhzpA
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) October 27, 2021
Kelce affirms that the team is not playing well enough, but the fighting spirit is there.
All of this is good news.
The Eagles In 2021
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is a second-year player.
He has started in 11 career games and has a 3-8 record.
The Eagles are in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC East with the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants at 2-5.
The Cowboys lead the division at 5-1.
There is a lot of football to be played, and if last year is any indication, the winner of the NFC East could go down to the wire.
The Cowboys certainly are playing good football, but the Eagles could string together some wins and be back in contention if the Cowboys’ level drops.
Coach Sirianni’s tactics could pay dividends as this young team gains more experience during the course of the season.
NEXT: Eagles DC Responds To Fletcher Cox's Criticism
