Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni wasn’t interested in talking about the taunting of Eagles fans late in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns.
After sleeping on it, he changed his mind.
When asked Monday about Sunday’s late game with fans, Sirianni apologized.
“I tried to convey energy and enthusiasm yesterday,” Sirianni said at his press conference 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 right time.”
“We have the best fans in the world. There’s no place like it. They show up and show up wherever they are.”
Sirianni faced questions about his conduct following a conversation with fans in the final minute of Sunday’s match. Eagles fans reportedly erupted in boos and a “Fire Nick” chant earlier in the game.
When a 20-16 victory against the Browns was achieved, Sirianni responded with some words of his own addressed to the fans in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
It is not clear what he said. Sirianni did not elaborate on the exchange in detail on Monday. But he did take responsibility after refusing to do so on Sunday.
Sirianni instead surrounded himself with his three young children on Sunday and turned away when repeatedly asked about the exchange at his post-match press conference.
“Just excited. Just excited to get the win,” Sirianni responded when asked about whistling at fans.
When asked several follow-up questions about the exchange, Sirianni said this:
“I’m just excited to get the win,” Sirianni continued. “It’s hard to win in this competition, so we’re happy with the win. Our fans created a few false starts that really helped us win this football match.
“I’m just excited to get the win and appreciate Linc’s support.”
Sirianni started the season on shaky ground after a season-ending collapse in 2023. The Eagles started 10-1, but lost five of their last six regular season games before losing 32-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard round. .
The Eagles started 2-2 this season and found themselves tied 10-10 at halftime on Sunday against a 1-4 Browns team that is one of the worst in the league. Even with the eventual four-point win, this isn’t the start Eagles fans envisioned for a team built to compete for a Super Bowl.
Sunday’s exchange did not further endear Sirianni to fans.
