Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized Monday for gesturing and jawing at fans in the final moments of a win during which restless fans booed a listless performance and "Fire Nick!" chants permeated pockets at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sirianni - a habitual trash-talker - put a finger to his right ear and chirped at fans in the first rows at the Linc on Sunday. Flanked by his three young children, Sirianni defend his antics following a narrow win over Cleveland , saying he was simply "excited" to get a victory. The fourth-year coach added the Eagles "don't necessarily like it" when fans boo at home games.
Sirianni struck a conciliatory tone for his behavior a day later after his boorish behavior was ripped by fans and media.
"I was trying to bring energy yesterday. Energy, enthusiasm," Sirianni said Monday. "I'm sorry and disappointed at how my energy was directed at the end of the game. My energy should be all in on coaching, motivating and celebrating with our guys. I have to have better wisdom and discernment of when to use that energy and that wasn't the time."
Sirianni said players had urged him over the bye week to bring the type of passion he flashed on the sideline 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 held on to beat lowly Cleveland 20-16.
