Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was once considered one of the worst hirings of the 2021 cycle. His stuttering introductory press conference was met with significant negativity.
Since that uncomfortable leap into the spotlight, though, Sirianni has established himself as an all-time winner.
The former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator turned head coach now boasts a 48-20 record, including two Super Bowl appearances, and a victory in the latest big game in February.
His over-70-percent winning mark is among the highest for a head coach in league history. ... top three, in fact, in the Super Bowl era.
From a stammering press conference to a "Fire Sirianni'' movement to being a Super Bowl winner. ... It's been quite the turnaround for Sirianni.
It doesn't surprise one of his former players, though. Kenny Moore, Indy's Pro Bowl slot cornerback, spoke at DeVonta Smith's charity softball game last week and detailed how special Philadelphia's head coach always was.
"I knew he was gonna be a winner, so to see how he's kind of transitioned over in Philadelphia and obviously winning a Super Bowl, that's pretty cool to see as a player," Moore told reporters.
"To see a guy who wanted to be a head coach, become a head coach, and winning the big dance that we all want to win. It's cool to see his growth as a person and as a coach.
"I'm sure he's a helluva coach still."
By the only measure that matters, he is.
One of Sirianni's best strengths as a head coach has been keeping his roster focused on a common goal. The emotional maturity that comes from being a head coach and having an entire team successful year after year is a testament to his ability to get the best out of his players. ... though we could argue that Nick's
"emotional maturity'' is a work in progress.
Sirianni isn't a perfect coach, as his intensity can sometimes get him into trouble. But the numbers do not lie.
Nor do the players who know him from the inside of the NFL.