Nick Sirianni and Jonathan Gannon: Leading the Philadelphia Eagles into a New Era

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2021 season looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-11-1 campaign the year before. With a new head coach in Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon, there were many questions surrounding how this young coaching staff would lead the team. Through perseverance, adaptability, and getting the most out of their players, Sirianni and Gannon helped guide the Eagles to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth in their first season together. While there is still room for improvement, they showed the promise to establish a new successful era in Philadelphia.

Nick Sirianni: Instilling a Culture of Hard Work and Accountability

When the Eagles fired Doug Pederson after the 2020 season, they knew they wanted a coach who would bring a new philosophy and culture to the locker room. Enter Nick Sirianni. The 39-year-old Sirianni came to Philadelphia after spending the previous three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts. Though he had never been a head coach before, Sirianni emphasized building relationships, accountability, and an aggressive approach on both sides of the ball.

From the beginning, Sirianni stressed establishing a culture of hard work, competition, and accountability. In his first team meeting, he told players “if you outwork the man next to you, you’ll have success.” He instituted “Win the Day” as the team’s mantra, focusing players on controlling only what they can in that moment rather than long-term goals or outcomes. This mindset helped players buy into Sirianni’s process-oriented approach even during difficult stretches of the season.

On the field, Sirianni brought an up-tempo, aggressive offensive philosophy that emphasized stretching the field both vertically and horizontally. Though the system was new to most of the Eagles’ skill position players and linemen, Sirianni’s detailed teaching and emphasis on fundamentals helped the offense improve as the season progressed. The Eagles finished 12th in total offense, a marked improvement from 27th the year before.

Perhaps Sirianni’s biggest strength was his ability to adapt. When the running game struggled early in the season, he adjusted the run schemes and playcalling to put players in better positions to succeed. Similarly, when quarterback Jalen Hurts showed more success on designed QB runs, Sirianni incorporated more run-pass options and quarterback-driven plays. His willingness to make changes demonstrated to players and coaches that he was committed to doing whatever it took to win.

Sirianni also proved himself as a motivator and leader of men. He had a knack for getting the most out of his players through positive reinforcement, detailed teaching, and competitive drills in practice. Veterans like Jason Kelce spoke glowingly of Sirianni’s communication skills and ability to bring out their best efforts. On the sidelines during games, Sirianni’s fiery passion and enthusiasm was contagious to the team. He helped lift the Eagles to fourth quarter comebacks and kept them fighting even when facing double-digit deficits.

While there is still room for growth in his overall management, Sirianni established himself as the clear leader of the Eagles in his first season. His relentless positivity, attention to detail, and adaptability gave the team an identity and belief that they could compete with anyone. Sirianni’s “Win the Day” culture of accountability and hard work was a major factor in the Eagles exceeding outside expectations and making the playoffs in 2021. Going forward, he will look to take the next steps in refining his system on both sides of the ball and getting the most out of his talented roster. But there is no doubt Sirianni has established a strong foundation for success in Philadelphia.

Jonathan Gannon: Installing an Aggressive Defensive Scheme

On the other side of the ball, Jonathan Gannon was tasked with replacing Jim Schwartz and implementing a new defensive system as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. The 39-year-old Gannon came to Philadelphia after spending the previous three seasons as the Colts’ defensive backs coach under Sirianni. Known for his intelligence and aggressive approach, Gannon aimed to create chaos for opposing offenses with multiple looks, disguised coverages, and pressure from anywhere on the field.

Gannon installed a hybrid 3-4 defense that utilized both three and four down linemen depending on situation and personnel. He emphasized versatility across the defensive front and second level, often deploying defensive ends and linebackers in different roles to confuse blocking schemes. Gannon’s system featured frequent blitzes from all angles, whether it was cornerbacks or safeties coming on blitzes or linebackers and defensive linemen stunting and twisting up front. The goal was to keep offenses off-balance and force mistakes.

The Eagles’ defense had its ups and downs adjusting to Gannon’s new scheme. Early in the season, they struggled to get consistent pressure and were prone to giving up big plays. Gannon was forced to simplify things as the unit learned, but he continued stressing aggression and taking risks. As the season progressed and players gained experience, the defense started to round into form. The Eagles finished 11th in the league in sacks and showed the ability to dominate opposing backfields when the scheme was executed properly.

Gannon also proved adept at making in-game adjustments. When early blitzes were ineffective, he dialed things back and disguised pressures more. As offenses countered certain looks, Gannon introduced new twists and brought pressure from new areas. He worked tirelessly with position coaches to refine techniques and put players in positions to succeed based on their strengths. By season’s end, the defense was playing its best football and giving the team a chance to win close games down the stretch.

While there were certainly growing pains, Gannon established an attacking identity for the Eagles’ defense. His aggressive, multiple scheme kept offenses on their toes and limited big plays as the season went on. Gannon also earned praise from players and coaches for his communication, teaching ability, and willingness to adapt. Going forward, he will look to take the next steps in refining the scheme, developing young talent, and getting even more production from the pressure packages. But under Gannon’s direction, the Eagles’ defense is trending in a positive direction.

A Promising Start and Building for the Future

In their first season together, Nick Sirianni and Jonathan Gannon faced no shortage of challenges in implementing new systems and cultures on both sides of the ball. But through relentless positivity, detailed teaching, and an ability to adapt on the fly, they helped lead an Eagles team that exceeded outside expectations. Sirianni established a foundation of accountability and competition that galvanized the roster. Gannon brought an attacking identity to the defense while proving himself as a master teacher and game-planner.

There is certainly room to grow, as both Sirianni and Gannon are still early in their careers as NFL coaches. But their collaborative approach, attention to detail, and focus on player development bodes well for the future. With another offseason and training camp to refine their schemes and cultures, they can take the Eagles to an even higher level in 2022. The organization believes they have the right leaders in place to establish long-term success.

After a promising 9-8 debut season, Sirianni and Gannon have the Eagles pointed in the right direction. With continued growth from a young roster and more experience implementing their systems, Philadelphia is poised to become a perennial playoff contender. Under the guidance of these two aggressive, adaptable coaches, the Eagles look to build on 2021’s foundation and bring winning football back to the city for years to come. Sirianni and Gannon have proven they have the intelligence, work ethic, and leadership to lead this franchise into a new era of success.