Posted Wednesday at 12:06 AM3 days It gets asked a lot, thought I'd see what thoughts everyone has. There are other coaches that don't call plays, some that come from defensive background. There's a lot to be done for a team from game prep, running meetings, strategy, game management and other things. Obviously Nick does something well or they wouldn't have success. Many are asking though, if he needs coordinators to run everything, why do we need him? I asked ChatGPT to summarize the things a typical NFL Head Coach does that doesn't call plays. Take a look at the list, post other items that you think might be missing. What do you think? Does Nick do a good job as Head Coach given this list of responsibilities?If an NFL head coach does not call plays, their job is still massive. Think of them as the CEO of the team on game day and during the week. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what they do handle.Game-Day Responsibilities1. Overall Game ManagementDecide when to go for it on 4th downCall timeouts (clock control, momentum, defense)Make challenge decisionsManage end-of-half and end-of-game strategyOversee two-minute drill philosophy (even if OC calls plays)2. Situational OversightRed zone strategyGoal-line decisionsBacked-up situationsShort-yardage philosophyAdjusting aggressiveness based on score, opponent, and momentum3. Inter-Unit AdjustmentsTell the OC to lean run/passTell the DC to blitz more/lessOrder tempo changes (hurry-up vs slow it down)Make macro adjustments when something isn’t working4. Player Management on the SidelineKeep players calm and focusedResolve disputes or frustrationMotivate during momentum swingsHandle injuries and substitutions with trainers and coordinatorsWeekly / Preparation Responsibilities5. Game Plan ApprovalFinal say on:Offensive approachDefensive philosophySpecial teams prioritiesDecide how the team wants to win that week6. Staff CoordinationRun staff meetingsAlign OC, DC, and ST coordinatorPrevent siloed thinkingEnsure everyone teaches the same priorities7. Practice StructureDesign weekly practice schedulesDecide emphasis periods (red zone, 2-minute, 3rd down)Set physical vs mental workload balanceTeam Leadership Responsibilities8. Culture & StandardsSet accountability rulesDecide discipline and consequencesDefine team identity (physical, aggressive, disciplined, etc.)Maintain locker-room trust9. Player Development OversightMonitor young player growthDecide when rookies are readyBalance development vs winning now10. Roster InputWork with GM on:Active/inactive listsDepth chart changesPersonnel usageFree agent and practice squad decisionsCommunication & External Duties11. Primary SpokespersonPress conferencesMedia messagingShield players from unnecessary scrutinyControl narratives after wins and losses12. Ownership & Front Office LiaisonReport progress and concernsAlign expectationsAdvocate for roster needsWhy This Still Matters (Big Picture)Many elite head coaches don’t call plays:Mike TomlinJohn HarbaughDan CampbellPete Carroll (late career)Bill Parcells (historically)Their value comes from:Decision qualityPreparationLeadershipAdaptabilityPlay-calling is just one slice of coaching impact.
Wednesday at 12:32 AM3 days All things that most uber-passionate fans know, but interesting to see it laid out in print.As far as challenges are concerned, that ideally would be mindless red-flag throwing based on what their team's own eye in the sky is telling them what to do.Timeout utilization is big. Oversight and leaning on OC and DC is variable, team to team. That, theoretically, could be the most important job in the franchise or the least important. I don't think anyone is telling Vic what to do. Or, for example, AR telling JJ what to do. The big million SS question is how much of that Siri will be doing to our new OC (smart money is on very little).Oversight on GM personnel. See above. And we know that's zero. He gets to sit in the room and speak up at times.For Siri, we are pretty much down to macro decisions. Timeouts, go for it, don't go for it. Sit the starters, don't sit them. Protecting guys in preseason (an organizational philosophy that is kinda sorta Nick's final decision).
Wednesday at 12:46 AM3 days I know there are a lot of old dudes here and probably some CEO types. There's a lot to do. He has to organize and speak to the team focusing them each week. And I guarantee you that there are player & coach issues to deal with a lot. If you have managerial experience you know getting people focused and to get along is a big deal
Wednesday at 12:46 AM3 days 13 minutes ago, eagle45 said:All things that most uber-passionate fans know, but interesting to see it laid out in print.As far as challenges are concerned, that ideally would be mindless red-flag throwing based on what their team's own eye in the sky is telling them what to do.Timeout utilization is big.Oversight and leaning on OC and DC is variable, team to team. That, theoretically, could be the most important job in the franchise or the least important. I don't think anyone is telling Vic what to do. Or, for example, AR telling JJ what to do. The big million SS question is how much of that Siri will be doing to our new OC (smart money is on very little).Oversight on GM personnel. See above. And we know that's zero. He gets to sit in the room and speak up at times.For Siri, we are pretty much down to macro decisions. Timeouts, go for it, don't go for it. Sit the starters, don't sit them. Protecting guys in preseason (an organizational philosophy that is kinda sorta Nick's final decision).I've seen people say the offense was KP's all season during the complaints. Do we really know? If it's not then this whole hiring process is just dragging out the inevitable outcome of Nick finally getting fired. If it was KP's then you can remove that responsibility from the listNick does a horrible job of keeping emotions checked during a game... that's not a pro in his column lolIf he handles who is in and out then he's also done a horrible job. They had guys barely hanging on playing while getting more injured. That's a negativeChallenges aren't him alone. He has people telling him if it's worth it. He just pulls the trigger
Wednesday at 01:27 AM3 days 36 minutes ago, Mike030270 said:I've seen people say the offense was KP's all season during the complaints. Do we really know? If it's not then this whole hiring process is just dragging out the inevitable outcome of Nick finally getting fired. If it was KP's then you can remove that responsibility from the listNick does a horrible job of keeping emotions checked during a game... that's not a pro in his column lolIf he handles who is in and out then he's also done a horrible job. They had guys barely hanging on playing while getting more injured. That's a negativeChallenges aren't him alone. He has people telling him if it's worth it. He just pulls the triggerIt can be debated (With the information we have right now) how much of this offense was Nick, how much was KP, and even how much was Hurts. What cannot be debated much, IMO, is next year. They are going to get an OC who is going to run the show. Fall guys are for people who are in charge. If we had a HC like AR or Mcvay who essentially ran the franchise/roster, then you could argue that shuffling OCs was just changing the fall guy for the same offense run by the same guy.We all know Lurie and Howie are in charge. And they aren't firing an innocent OC who just stood in front of Nick's offense just to hire another OC to stand in front of Nick's offense. The new guy will be running this offense in every way...no matter what they say about a collaboration and final say to avoid emasculating the HC.
Wednesday at 02:06 AM3 days I hate the argument that just because Nick doesnt call plays, that he is useless. It's such an idiotic pov. That great dynasty that the cowboys had 30 years ago, Jimmy Johnson didnt call his own plays either. Fools like Nick Wright push this dumb narrative that Sirianni doesnt deserve any credit because he doesnt call plays. Its just a way for him to glaze Andy and his Chiefs while he hates on other teams.
Wednesday at 02:22 AM3 days 39 minutes ago, eagle45 said:It can be debated (With the information we have right now) how much of this offense was Nick, how much was KP, and even how much was Hurts.What cannot be debated much, IMO, is next year. They are going to get an OC who is going to run the show. Fall guys are for people who are in charge. If we had a HC like AR or Mcvay who essentially ran the franchise/roster, then you could argue that shuffling OCs was just changing the fall guy for the same offense run by the same guy.We all know Lurie and Howie are in charge. And they aren't firing an innocent OC who just stood in front of Nick's offense just to hire another OC to stand in front of Nick's offense.The new guy will be running this offense in every way...no matter what they say about a collaboration and final say to avoid emasculating the HC.Nick is 4-0 vs Sean McVay, and he's beaten Reid 3 straight times now (and that's with 2 awful OC's in Johnson and Patullo), so Nick is doing something right. Being a good OC isnt just about scheme, it's also about rhythm, and being able to call the right plays and play to a certain tempo in order to outsmart your opponent. Imo, KP was awful at all of that.
Wednesday at 03:23 AM3 days Author 1 hour ago, MF POON said:I hate the argument that just because Nick doesnt call plays, that he is useless. It's such an idiotic pov. That great dynasty that the cowboys had 30 years ago, Jimmy Johnson didnt call his own plays either. Fools like Nick Wright push this dumb narrative that Sirianni doesnt deserve any credit because he doesnt call plays. Its just a way for him to glaze Andy and his Chiefs while he hates on other teams.Head coaches don't call defensive plays and no one ever brings that up or has an issue. But people often expect the HC to call offensive plays or be more involved.So, what do you think Nick does well as a HC?
Wednesday at 03:23 AM3 days I guess the better question is, what does he do WELL?1-6 he’s really not GOOD at.10 he’s questionable. Matt Pryor, Sydney Brown, and Kelee Ringo really say all we need to know about his evaluation of talent and readiness.I’d probably say the same about having Pickett as the backup over McKee last season.As well as neglecting the only "explosive” running back we have in Tank Bigsby.Car develop staff, can’t put players in positive positions, doesn’t have any creativity in his offense etc.
Wednesday at 08:03 AM2 days He decides to put Calc out there over and over again.His scheme is garbage. His players occasionally elevate above scheme through their elite talent.Much of what Hurts does to win is after plays break down and he finds DeVonta or AJ deep. (or he runs)His sole focus in 2025 was featuring and protecting Patullo.Patullo has not been fired. He is being reassigned (this almost never happens)They are starting 2026 off with the sole focus of protecting Patullo by keeping his useless meddling pea brain in a meddling role.It might get better around the edges but the rot that is Siri is still at the core of the offense.
Wednesday at 08:34 AM2 days 8 hours ago, NOTW said:It gets asked a lot, thought I'd see what thoughts everyone has. There are other coaches that don't call plays, some that come from defensive background. There's a lot to be done for a team from game prep, running meetings, strategy, game management and other things. Obviously Nick does something well or they wouldn't have success. Many are asking though, if he needs coordinators to run everything, why do we need him?I asked ChatGPT to summarize the things a typical NFL Head Coach does that doesn't call plays. Take a look at the list, post other items that you think might be missing. What do you think? Does Nick do a good job as Head Coach given this list of responsibilities?If an NFL head coach does not call plays, their job is still massive. Think of them as the CEO of the team on game day and during the week. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of what they do handle.Game-Day Responsibilities1. Overall Game ManagementDecide when to go for it on 4th downCall timeouts (clock control, momentum, defense)Make challenge decisionsManage end-of-half and end-of-game strategyOversee two-minute drill philosophy (even if OC calls plays)2. Situational OversightRed zone strategyGoal-line decisionsBacked-up situationsShort-yardage philosophyAdjusting aggressiveness based on score, opponent, and momentum3. Inter-Unit AdjustmentsTell the OC to lean run/passTell the DC to blitz more/lessOrder tempo changes (hurry-up vs slow it down)Make macro adjustments when something isn’t working4. Player Management on the SidelineKeep players calm and focusedResolve disputes or frustrationMotivate during momentum swingsHandle injuries and substitutions with trainers and coordinatorsWeekly / Preparation Responsibilities5. Game Plan ApprovalFinal say on:Offensive approachDefensive philosophySpecial teams prioritiesDecide how the team wants to win that week6. Staff CoordinationRun staff meetingsAlign OC, DC, and ST coordinatorPrevent siloed thinkingEnsure everyone teaches the same priorities7. Practice StructureDesign weekly practice schedulesDecide emphasis periods (red zone, 2-minute, 3rd down)Set physical vs mental workload balanceTeam Leadership Responsibilities8. Culture & StandardsSet accountability rulesDecide discipline and consequencesDefine team identity (physical, aggressive, disciplined, etc.)Maintain locker-room trust9. Player Development OversightMonitor young player growthDecide when rookies are readyBalance development vs winning now10. Roster InputWork with GM on:Active/inactive listsDepth chart changesPersonnel usageFree agent and practice squad decisionsCommunication & External Duties11. Primary SpokespersonPress conferencesMedia messagingShield players from unnecessary scrutinyControl narratives after wins and losses12. Ownership & Front Office LiaisonReport progress and concernsAlign expectationsAdvocate for roster needsWhy This Still Matters (Big Picture)Many elite head coaches don’t call plays:Mike TomlinJohn HarbaughDan CampbellPete Carroll (late career)Bill Parcells (historically)Their value comes from:Decision qualityPreparationLeadershipAdaptabilityPlay-calling is just one slice of coaching impact.I'm not going to stick around in this thread or anything since I think it'd be better for me to just observe this one. But wanted to pop my head in to say thank you for trying to approach this with at least some amount of objectivity, that's really all I wanted from people. If I criticize, it's also right only to show appreciation when it's approached in a way that I think is at least decent, especially with how much I got on your case for it last year.That's all I have to say, have a good discussion peeps.
Wednesday at 09:47 AM2 days So I’m a little torn… On the one hand we’ve seen that Sirianni can be a good CEO HC when the offense is being well run.In 2022 and 2024 he set a good culture and the team was well prepared and well disciplined for the most part. He was able to focus on things that needed fixing and again for the most part he was able to help fix them.In 2023 and 2025 though the offense struggled, the OC appeared to be out of their depth and he needed to step in. When that happened other bits seemed to go wrong and they then couldn’t fix the issues.Where I struggle is that because he isn’t a very good offensive side of the ball coach it leads to a high turnover of OCs. And it’s inevitable that some of those hires will be good and some will be bad. So keeping him as HC will lead to this constant cycling of OCs. But given what he’s achieved he has probably earned the right to be given another year to see how things play out with a experienced OC.
Wednesday at 11:09 AM2 days One thing he is utterly brilliant at is communication. I don't mean with the press, I mean with the players and coaches. He's clear, consistent and strategic. Players buy in and they trust him.
Wednesday at 11:43 AM2 days https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/what-will-the-offense-look-like-under-nick-sirianniI found this funny in hindsight. Apparently the Eagles offense will look nothing like this.
Wednesday at 02:32 PM2 days 12 hours ago, MF POON said:I hate the argument that just because Nick doesnt call plays, that he is useless. It's such an idiotic pov. That great dynasty that the cowboys had 30 years ago, Jimmy Johnson didnt call his own plays either. Fools like Nick Wright push this dumb narrative that Sirianni doesnt deserve any credit because he doesnt call plays. Its just a way for him to glaze Andy and his Chiefs while he hates on other teams.I don't think most fans have a huge problem with the fact he doesn't call plays. The problem is, when the offense is as putrid as it was this season, most want a head coach that can at least sit down with the offensive coordinator and come up with solutions to the issue.
Wednesday at 02:40 PM2 days 11 hours ago, NOTW said:Head coaches don't call defensive plays and no one ever brings that up or has an issue. But people often expect the HC to call offensive plays or be more involved.So, what do you think Nick does well as a HC?I think he does well with managing the staff/players, messaging, culture and morale, and bringing energy/passion. He's also good at letting his guys coach. We dont hear about him micromanaging things or questioning his guys really, which is a dream for coordinators. I'd say a flaw of his is he should reign his OC in when they're not performing at the level they should be.Nick def has his flaws like any other HC, but I think fans are a bit harsh on him simply because he doesnt call plays.
Wednesday at 02:50 PM2 days 4 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:Where I struggle is that because he isn’t a very good offensive side of the ball coach it leads to a high turnover of OCs. And it’s inevitable that some of those hires will be good and some will be bad. So keeping him as HC will lead to this constant cycling of OCs. But given what he’s achieved he has probably earned the right to be given another year to see how things play out with a experienced OC.I kind of see it as unfair criticism with the turnover at OC. He's lost competent coaches due to success twice, and many teams dont have nearly the amount of success this team has had with constant change at OC. Just look at Detroit this year. They lose both their DC and OC and they didnt even make the playoffs.Fans will point to guys like Lafluer, Harbaugh, etc. as a potential replacement, but those same coaches have consistently underachieved with more stability in place.
Wednesday at 03:01 PM2 days 7 minutes ago, MF POON said:I kind of see it as unfair criticism with the turnover at OC. He's lost competent coaches due to success twice, and many teams dont have nearly the amount of success this team has had with constant change at OC. Just look at Detroit this year. They lose both their DC and OC and they didnt even make the playoffs.Fans will point to guys like Lafluer, Harbaugh, etc. as a potential replacement, but those same coaches have consistently underachieved with more stability in place.So I’ll say this… Steichen did a great job and fully deserved a HC role. Moore? He did a job good but his opportunity came off the back of this team winning the SB with the offense finally functioning in the NFCCG and SB. The run game had an historic year and that was props to Moore and to Sirianni. But this offense wasn’t great last year and certainly the passing offense wasn’t. Not for the amount of talent. And what I’m saying is this is what is going to continue to happen whilst Sirianni is HC. The offense is going to be safe and limited and there will be a high turnover of OCs.Also, I want no part of Harbaugh. He’s an older Sirianni so for me there’s no appeal there at all.
Wednesday at 03:56 PM2 days This is a great list of responsibilities/expectations of a CEO type HC that @NOTW posted (will save me a ishload of typing! HA!).I don't think Nick does a very good job in quite a few of the more important areas (when to go for it on 4th down, managing in-game strategy (that would be only related to offense ... obviously Fangio has full autonomy over defense and does a great job at that for the most part), adjusting aggressiveness (knowing when it is more appropriate to be aggressive and knowing when to back off), and obviously making macro adjustments when something isn't working (again, related to offense only). He also failed with game day roster management when he kept trotting out players that were attempting to play injured and were not able to play anywhere near the expected level needed ... he absolutely should have sat players like Dickerson and Jurgens earlier in the season to allow them to get close to 100% for the stretch run and playoffs (giving them one week of rest in week 18 isn't nearly enough time to heal ... it is great to give players that aren't injured some rest but that is it).
Wednesday at 06:33 PM2 days BTW, only 2 out of the 7 coaches in the AFC playoffs call plays. I get it, it's the new TATE's obsession, but that doesn't mean it's all that matters in a coach.Sirianni is a heck of a HC, not a good OC. And that's fine, I prefer that over a "genius" like McDaniels who sucks with players; I even prefer Nick over someone like Shanahan who keeps making boneheaded mistakes in big moments. I thought Nick was going to get some respect from his own fan base after winning the SB (and playing another one), but nope. I'm naive as that.
Wednesday at 07:08 PM2 days 22 minutes ago, beto_eagles said:BTW, only 2 out of the 7 coaches in the AFC playoffs call plays. I get it, it's the new TATE's obsession, but that doesn't mean it's all that matters in a coach.Sirianni is a heck of a HC, not a good OC. And that's fine, I prefer that over a "genius" like McDaniels who sucks with players; I even prefer Nick over someone like Shanahan who keeps making boneheaded mistakes in big moments.I thought Nick was going to get some respect from his own fan base after winning the SB (and playing another one), but nope. I'm naive as that.His roster is top 3 in the NFL the last 3 seasons.. he just lost to a literally mutilated SF team, at home, after blowing the chance at the 2nd seed with poor red zone decisions.How many of those AFC teams have a bottom 10 offense with a top 5 defense and two pro bowl WRs, an All-Pro HB after winning a Super Bowl?The obsession comes when the team is failing in the same ways every single week, and the HC isn’t competent enough to Call his Own Plays - or hire someone who’s competent at designing plays.We wouldn’t care who called the plays if the offense could score touchdowns for more than 1/3 of the game or completed passes for 10+ yards routinely. This is the only team in the NFL I’ve seen be shaken and terrified of a 3rd and 8. He’s a heck of a head coach because he has an amazing roster and elite talent - before Fangio his defense was in shambles - before Moore and after Steichen he’s offense was limited and predictable.What’s he good at? Look at the 4th downs and crucial late-game strategy that shot ourselves in the foot over and over all season. Going for it on 4th in the red zone with your backups was a bonehead move.Plenty of chances for him to show ANY ability to make significant strides in creative solutions and learning from mistakes and he didn’t. He just sat in the back seat while he watched his offense sputter into the gutter.
Wednesday at 07:12 PM2 days 38 minutes ago, beto_eagles said:BTW, only 2 out of the 7 coaches in the AFC playoffs call plays. I get it, it's the new TATE's obsession, but that doesn't mean it's all that matters in a coach.Sirianni is a heck of a HC, not a good OC. And that's fine, I prefer that over a "genius" like McDaniels who sucks with players; I even prefer Nick over someone like Shanahan who keeps making boneheaded mistakes in big moments.I thought Nick was going to get some respect from his own fan base after winning the SB (and playing another one), but nope. I'm naive as that.How is it the new obsession when we've had how many decades of HCs being the playcaller? It's more new that we have a CEO HC that doesn't
Wednesday at 09:35 PM2 days Author 5 hours ago, time2rock said:This is a great list of responsibilities/expectations of a CEO type HC that @NOTW posted (will save me a ishload of typing! HA!).I don't think Nick does a very good job in quite a few of the more important areas (when to go for it on 4th down, managing in-game strategy (that would be only related to offense ... obviously Fangio has full autonomy over defense and does a great job at that for the most part), adjusting aggressiveness (knowing when it is more appropriate to be aggressive and knowing when to back off), and obviously making macro adjustments when something isn't working (again, related to offense only). He also failed with game day roster management when he kept trotting out players that were attempting to play injured and were not able to play anywhere near the expected level needed ... he absolutely should have sat players like Dickerson and Jurgens earlier in the season to allow them to get close to 100% for the stretch run and playoffs (giving them one week of rest in week 18 isn't nearly enough time to heal ... it is great to give players that aren't injured some rest but that is it).Do you see Siri improving in those areas to get better as a Head Coach?
Wednesday at 10:19 PM2 days 40 minutes ago, NOTW said:Do you see Siri improving in those areas to get better as a Head Coach?I actually thought he was better in many of those areas earlier in his coaching career. This year … not so much. Almost like he is losing his feel for the game or was clouded by frustration or the pressure from the expectations coming off a Super Bowl winning season and knowing we were heavy favorites to repeat was impacting his decision making.
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