In sunny Palm Beach, Florida at the NFL Owner’s Meetings with reporters huddling all around him, Eagles’ Head Coach Nick Sirianni answered questions that covered various topics including the new additions to the roster and coaching staff, if tight end Dallas Goedert will remain with the team, how they are preparing for a new season and of course the “Tush Push”.
To push or not to push? That is the question.
Perhaps the reason for the high volume of media in attendance for Sirianni’s presser was due in part to the upcoming ruling on the successful play that has been passionately dubbed “The Brotherly Shove” in Philadelphia. it’s been one of the hottest topics this offseason. With reports coming out early Tuesday that it seems unlikely the play will be banned, the Eagles head coach didn’t want to rehash where he’s reiterated what side of the fence he stands on.
“We will see. Think today will tell a lot, Sirianni said. “You know my opinion. It’s very well documented. Maybe that’s why there’s so many cameras here today. I still stand where I stood when we talked at the Combine. We will see how it goes down. Have I been lobbying? I’ve talked to a couple of people. We’ll see how it goes.“
Sirianni went on to explain how the Colts implemented the play during his time on the coaching staff with Jacoby Brissett and how it’s evolved.
“We are just trying to win football games and get first downs. We had a lot of success with it in Indy with Jacoby Brissett particularly. He did it in 2019 and 2020 when we had Phillip Rivers,” Sirianni recalled.
“In 2021, we didn’t run it a lot, we were 13-for-14 for it. We motioned Dallas Goedert into backfield for a little extra help. That led into 2022 and the game against Detroit we ended game on fourth and 1 with a quarterback sneak to be able to kneel it out. It evolved from there. It’s a cool evolution. Then all the compliments that come off of it and the cool things you can do off it.”
Eagles New Additions
Sirianni could not hide his enthusiasm for the new additions to the roster the Eagles made during free agency. They didn’t make a huge splash as some were hoping, but Sirianni thinks the new talent coming into the locker room can bring a lot to an already loaded team.
“Getting opportunity to play for the Philadelphia Eagles there’s just this hunger,” Sirianni explained. “I’m excited to see these new faces that will be able to contributor and get their opportunity to do their things with some of the losses. It’s a great challenge and opportunity for these guys. I know I will see this hunger and desire.”
One of the new faces that will be look to make an impact is the former Falcons’ return specialist Avery Williams, who Sirianni mentioned a couple times.
“I can’t say enough about Avery Williams and what we can do with him and what he can bring to this football team,” Sirianni said smiling.
“I love these new guys we added here. Beyond excited about Avery Williams, [Joshua] Uche, [Azeez] Ojulari, Adoree’ Jackson. The offensive guys we added. I don’t want to miss any of these guys. The tight ends in [Kylen] Granson, [Harrison] Grant, and AJ Dillon. I’m beyond excited to see the talent these guys have. A lot of them are one-year deals, but we saw how that worked out with Zack Baun, Mekhi Becton and Isaiah Rodgers. Man, there’s some special guys there.”
Next Speaker of the Team
Sirianni was questioned about the loss of Chauncy Gardner-Johnson and how the team could replace the energy and communication he brought in both years with the team which resulted in trips to the Super Bowl. Sirianni, who complimented what “CJGJ” brought to the team, said that there’s plenty of in-house options to fill the void.
“We have a lot of guys on the defensive side that plays with a lot of energy. Jalen Carter comes to mind. Nolan Smith, you’ve heard me talk about how much energy he plays with. Coop and Quinyon are young but play with a great amount of energy and edge. Nakboe Dean can always see him talking to the guys and plays with an edge and nastiness. We have a lot of guys on defensive side that can bring what Chauncey brought.”
New Year, New Coaches for Jalen Hurts
The team announced the coaching staff for the 2025 season last Friday and the new Quarterback Coach, Scott Loeffler was mentioned. The former Bowling Green head coach for the last five years and with three decades of college football coaching experience, Loeffler will now be working hand in hand with Jalen Hurts.
“You do a lot of work and interview a lot of different guys and cast a very wide net to find right person,” Sirianni said about the process. “Scott stood out. We called a ton of guys not only for interview process but vetting process at the end. It just kept coming back that this guy is obsessed with football. Just a grinder and very knowledgeable about QB play. Able to get new fresh ideas from him after being head coach at Bowling Green. Excited for the addition.“
Sirianni though doesn’t expect it to be an issue for Hurts, who once again work with a new coach in his career.
“The reason this isn’t new to Jalen is because he’s been highly successful,” Sirianni said about his Super Bowl MVP. “When you are highly successful you lose guys and they get to go run their show. The consistent pieces have been Jalen and I. So, there’s got to be consistency there for all the new pieces. This isn’t new for him. We are allowed to start when we are allowed to starter. Obviously, Jalen is chomping at the bit to get more information. It’s not new for him.”
Sirianni Up for New Contract
It might get lost in the shuffle, but Sirianni is due for a new contract at the end of the 2025 season. He is just as important to this successful run the Eagles have been on since taking over in 2021. Yet, entering his fifth season, he’s not too concerned.
“These things will take care of itself. I’m not too concerned about it. I don’t get into it with anybody and not going to get into it with this one. Everything will take care of itself.”
Celebrating is Over
Sirianni did make it clear Tuesday morning, that the team and staff are zeroed in on the upcoming season. As remarkable as a second parade down Broad Street was, it’s time to get back to business.
“We are to the point now where the celebration of the Super Bowl is over. We will have our ring ceremony, but our preparation is here. There’s nothing like getting back in there and starting to work again. With our team, and leaders on this football team and you aren’t busting your butt and giving everything you got, you will be exposed. Try not to work hard in front of Jalen Hurts or Saquon Barkley and they will get on you.”
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
