The Eagles’ Leadership Problem: A Lack of Respect for the Head Coach

The Eagles’ main problem, which I’ve been pointing out for several seasons, is that they do not have a competent head coach that the players respect. Nick Sirianni can yell all he wants at Jalen Carter or CJ Gardner-Johnson, but it will have the same effect as a substitute teacher threatening a seventh-grade class. It doesn’t carry weight. Why would the players respect someone if they sense a lack of authority or competence?

Sirianni’s decisions on fourth down in this game highlight his lack of confidence. The players see how he handles critical decision-making moments, and it only reinforces their concern that they don’t have a head coach they can fully trust or respect.

Charlie Manuel used to say that hitting is contagious. But penalties and undisciplined behavior are contagious too—especially when they’re not addressed and corrected. A team’s discipline reflects the leadership, and if the head coach can’t command respect or set the standard, that lack of discipline will spread.

This issue goes beyond the players; it’s a leadership problem at its core. Until the coaching staff establishes authority and gains the respect of the team, these issues will continue to plague the Eagles.