Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes for his behavior toward fans at the Linc

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized Monday for gesticulating and jawing at fans during the final moments of a victory in which restless fans booed a lethargic performance and chanted “Fire Nick!” chants permeated the pockets of Lincoln Financial Field.

Sirianni, a habitual goofball, put a finger to his right ear on Sunday and beeped at fans in the front rows at the Linc. Flanked by his three young children, Sirianni defended his antics after a close win over Cleveland, saying he was just “excited” to get a win. The fourth-year coach added that the Eagles “don’t necessarily like” it when fans boo during home games.

Sirianni struck a conciliatory tone for his behavior a day later after his boorish behavior was ripped apart by fans and media.

“I tried to bring energy yesterday. Energy, enthusiasm,” Sirianni said on Monday. “I am sorry and disappointed with the way my energy was spent at the end of the game. My energy should be all about coaching, motivating and celebrating with our boys. I need to have better wisdom and discernment about when I have to use that energy.” And that wasn’t the time.”

Sirianni said players urged him over the past week to bring the kind of passion he showed on the sidelines when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl in the 2022 season and started 10-1 last year. Jalen Hurts and Brandon Graham were among the veterans who publicly supported Sirianni after the Eagles (3-2) defeated lowly Cleveland 20-16.

Sirianni said late Monday afternoon that he has not yet met team owner Jeffrey Lurie. Sirianni attributed his change in tone to a period of reflection and equated the apology to football terms, saying it was no different to a coach wishing he could redo a bad game.

“You want to be passionate and have energy, just like I did there today with the guys when we watched film together,” Sirianni said. “It’s about the discernment of when to do that. I wish there was a playbook for that kind of thing. It would make the job a little easier.”

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Perhaps his most infamous fan interaction occurred last season when he barked at Chiefs fans after the Eagles won a Super Bowl rematch. The pressure on Sirianni increased after the Eagles lost six of seven games (including the playoffs) over the summer, leaving his job status in doubt over the summer. He was granted a reprieve from Lurie, but found himself embroiled in controversy again for failing to keep his emotions in check in front of Eagles fans.

“We have the best fans in the world. There’s no place like it,” Sirianni said. “They show up and show up wherever we are. Brazil, Arizona, it doesn’t matter.”