Nick Sirianni has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most promising and transformative head coaches, thanks to his ability to foster a culture of connection within the Philadelphia Eagles organization. His leadership is not just about strategy and game planning; it’s also about building relationships, cultivating unity and ensuring that everyone in the Eagles organization feels valued and heard. If Sirianni continues on this trajectory, he could very well be the architect of an NFL dynasty.
The roots of Sirianni’s leadership philosophy
Sirianni’s emphasis on connection didn’t develop overnight. It began in high school and continued at the University of Mount Union, where he played under legendary head coach Larry Kehres. Kehres, known for his unmatched 92.9% winning percentage, was not only a mastermind on the field but also deeply invested in his players as people. This unique blend of success and personal care was a model that Sirianni would later embrace as he built his coaching philosophy.
A pivotal moment in Sirianni’s life came during his sophomore season when a severe leg injury threatened to end his football career. The injury became so severe that doctors considered amputation after the leg became infected. During this incredibly difficult time, Coach Kehres visited Sirianni in the hospital, offering not just encouragement but also showing that he genuinely cared for him as a person. Despite the grim prognosis, Sirianni defied expectations, fully recovering and returning to the field the following season. That experience taught him that strong, trusting relationships between coach and player could help overcome the most challenging obstacles. This lesson would later become the bedrock of his approach as head coach of the Eagles.
Cultivating a culture of connection in Philadelphia
Sirianni’s leadership philosophy centers around building a culture where connection is paramount. In his view, success is not just about individual achievement — it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the team. He knows that connection motivates everyone to give extra effort so they won’t let their teammates down and also provides a sense of joy.
The Eagles’ locker room is a place where selflessness, appreciation and mutual respect thrive. Under Sirianni’s guidance, players, coaches and staff alike are encouraged to connect and support one another constantly. Sirianni believes the Eagles have to be especially intentional about building connections among players because it’s less natural to connect with teammates at the professional level. Players live in different geographic parts of the greater Philadelphia area, and they are in different stages of life (i.e., some are married, some are single, some have children, etc.), which makes connection less natural than it was in high school and college.
An important factor in Sirianni’s ability to create this type of culture is support from ownership. Jeffrey Lurie, the team’s owner, has been recognized as an owner who genuinely cares about his players — not just on the field but off it as well. Lurie’s commitment to the well-being of his players reinforces Sirianni’s efforts, creating a culture where players feel like more than just athletes; they are valued as people, supported in their personal lives and encouraged to grow in all aspects of their lives.
3 ways Sirianni leads with connection
If you want to apply Sirianni’s leadership philosophy to your career, here are three habits to adopt.
1. Practicing consistency in positivity and constructive criticism
One of the key qualities that makes Sirianni’s leadership so effective is his consistent positivity and encouragement. He lifts his players up and fosters an environment where they feel supported and capable of achieving great things. This positive reinforcement is a crucial part of the Eagles’ culture of connection — it helps players feel secure, confident and empowered to reach their full potential.
When Sirianni does offer constructive criticism, it is always done with the same care and intent to help his players improve and succeed. His consistent positivity and the trust he’s built with his team mean that when he delivers feedback, players accept it with gratitude. They know it comes from a coach who is truly invested in their growth and well-being and that his critiques are meant to push them toward greater success. This level of trust and respect makes the Eagles’ team dynamic stronger and more cohesive, as players are more receptive to coaching and more willing to push themselves for the collective good of the team.
2. Expressing appreciation
Another one of Sirianni’s signature leadership practices is his commitment to expressing appreciation for his players and coaches, both publicly and privately. He frequently praises individuals for their hard work and contributions, creating an environment where everyone feels valued. He even sends handwritten notes, a gesture that reinforces his genuine appreciation and helps build strong, trusting relationships across the organization. These efforts go a long way in making players feel seen and heard, and they foster a culture of mutual respect that permeates throughout the entire Eagles organization.
3. Communicating a vision for the future
While Sirianni focuses on the present, his vision for the Eagles’ future is clear: to build a championship-winning team and establish a lasting legacy for the franchise. He communicates this vision to his players, inspiring them to aim for greatness — not just for themselves but for the entire city of Philadelphia. Sirianni’s leadership is rooted in connection, and this commitment to unity is helping to lay the foundation for sustained success and possibly an NFL dynasty.
Why Sirianni’s approach works
As I’ve written in my book Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy, and Understanding at Work, connection has far-reaching benefits that go beyond just performance on the field. It improves our health, happiness, and overall performance while also protecting us from the negative effects of chronic stress. In environments where people feel a positive bond of connection, the universal human needs for respect, recognition, belonging, autonomy, personal growth, meaning and progress are met. This leads to greater motivation, resilience and success.
Sirianni’s approach is a perfect example of how meeting these needs can produce extraordinary results. The culture of connection he has fostered within the Eagles is not only strengthening their on-field performance but also improving their overall well-being.
As the Eagles continue to thrive under Sirianni’s leadership, it’s evident that the culture of connection he’s cultivated is a key factor in their success. With Sirianni at the helm and Lurie’s supportive ownership, the future looks incredibly bright for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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