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The highly anticipated Eagles’ end-of-the-season press conference took even longer than expected, but we finally heard from Nick Sirianni and Howie Roseman. The press conference which was supposed to start at 2:30, commenced nearly a half hour late, with the duo tied up in a meeting according to reports.
Perhaps this was the reason why:
The Dolphins and Vic Fangio have mutually agreed to part ways, sources tell me and @JFowlerESPN. Fangio now will be the top target for the Philadelphia Eagles to hire as their defensive coordinator, and a deal is expected. Miami is allowing Fangio to leave to be closer to his… pic.twitter.com/HjyMAC2S0p
We’ll have to wait for confirmation from the team, but bringing Fangio into the mix is an entire story in of itself. The focus today was how Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni would answer questions regarding the decisions made with the coaching staff and the historic collapse to close out the season.
“We did what we thought was best at the time and can’t say enough good things about Brian (Johnson). He will have another opportunity to coach, and I will miss him. We want to grow in a lot of different areas. Coming up with fresh ideas and doing things different. That’s exactly where we are right now. Brian being at that position, unfortunately, he’s the one leaving at this time. Can’t say enough on how much I appreciate him and his time here. We had a lot of success here over the last three years. Now it’s time to bring in new and fresh ideas.”
Nick Sirianni 1/24/2024
The returning Eagles Head Coach was then asked who will have ownership of the offense after he made it a point to say it was his offense to help alleviate some heat off his first-year play-caller.
“It will be our scheme on what we are doing. I don’t know exactly what that will look like, but we will be bringing in a guy who will have new ideas, but it would be crazy to not add things that we’ve done in the past. I don’t know the percentages of what it will be, but we are doing our best to get the right guy in here who will call the plays, have a good vision, coach the QB and getting the right guy.”
Nick Sirianni 1/24/2024
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 29: Philadelphia Eagles coach Brian Johnson looks on during the NFC Championship Game between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 29, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)
He later went on to say in the press conference that this will be the “Philadelphia Eagles Offense“.
Not sure how much confidence that instilled in those who were listening and watching the press conference, but it does appear that he understands there is a need for swift changes to his offensive scheme as the league has clearly caught up to the Eagles philosophy on offense.
He was then asked what his role will be as the head coach of the team and it’s clear that Sirianni will not be involved in calling plays.
“My job is to be the head coach of the football team, building the culture, working with our five core values. I’m not the head coach of the offense or defense or special teams, I’m the head coach of the football team. I may sit in more meetings on the defensive side of the football.
Nick Sirianni 1/24/2024
It wasn’t earth shattering from Sirianni, but to the dismay of those who wanted Sirianni booted after the season, it’s clear he is going to be a “glue guy” if you will, ensuring the Eagles are all happy and working in a cohesive manner. Based on the questions that were asked, and kudos to the reporters asking the tough questions, it’s evident the team will be bringing in an offensive coordinator who will be calling the plays and bring in new and fresh ideas.
Sirianni went on to say he is taking this offseason and upcoming season very seriously and plans to bring back that belief to not only his bosses, but to the city.
“Better believe after that 1-6 finish, I want to prove Mr. Lurie (Eagles owner), Howie and everyone that they were right in hiring me and we have to prove that again. That’s how I’m attacking this offseason and upcoming season.”
Nick Sirianni 1/24/2024
What about the Eagles defense?
Moving to the defensive side of the ball, the biggest question that needed to be answered was who in fact was the ultimate decision maker on changing from Sean Desai to Matt Patricia calling plays and Roseman said it was Sirianni and he supported the decision.
“Coach comes to me and said this is what I’m going to do. I trust him with his ability and his perception on the coaching staff just like he trusts me with the front office staff. He made up his mind and his decision and I supported him.”
Howie Roseman 1/24/2024
Sirianni followed up by saying:
“I made that decision because I thought that was what was best for the team. Matt (Patricia) was in a tough situation because you can’t completely change the defense, but he was trying to make things happen with things that quite frankly wasn’t his defense.
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 21: Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai looks on during a preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills on August 21, 2021 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire)
Did it because at the time, I thought that was best for the football team. I have to make a lot of decisions like that…going for it on 4th down, 4-minute offense philosophy.”
Nick Sirianni 1/24/2024
Roseman also tried to extinguish the severity of the lack of linebacking play this season and historically for the franchise but wanted to instill his and the team’s confidence in Nakobe Dean.
“We have had a long history of success here building team certain way. There’s been a preconceived notions at the linebacker position that we don’t care about who plays there. Our last two Super Bowl teams the linebacking play was good. It’s my belief and we have a lot of belief in our players. Nakobe Dean is one of them. We lost two good linebackers from our Super Bowl team and had Dean waiting in the wings. Obviously, it didn’t work out this year, but we believe he is still going to be a big piece.”
Howie Roseman 1/24/2024
The next step for the Eagles
Overall, it was a rather typical end of the season press conference. The general manager and head coach speaking business and coach jargon expressing that the epic collapse wasn’t acceptable, changes will be made, and the goal is always to win and bring championships to the city of Philadelphia.
Now we wait and see what those changes exactly will be and who will be brought in to help make those necessary changes.
