If you were tired of watching the Kansas City Chiefs win this season, I’m sure the Super Bowl LIX was a breath of fresh air. The bright spot was that my home state produced the winner.
I can’t call the Eagles my team because, well, c’mon, they’re from Philly and I’m from Pittsburgh, but on the eve of the Super Bowl, I was willing to support a neighbor over the Chiefs, who already had their fair share of victory and then some. It also helped that Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was a Penn Stater.
In the spirit of “brotherly love,”—yes, that’s Philadelphia’s city slogan—I’ve decided to highlight an article I spotted that seems more important now that the Eagles stunned the Chief fans with a win.
As we watched the Super Bowl this year, it was hard not to notice the leadership of Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni. Whether you love his fiery sideline presence or think he’s a bit over the top, there are leadership lessons we can all take away from his approach, especially when it comes to creating connection and fostering trust—values that transcend sports and translate directly to the business world.
Here are three leadership themes worth visiting:
1. Cultivate Trust with Care
One of the most important aspects of Sirianni’s leadership is his genuine concern for his players as people, not just athletes. It’s easy to be a manager when things are going well, but true leadership reveals its colors when times are tough. Take, for example, his relationship with offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. When Mailata was dealing with his father’s health crisis, Sirianni didn’t just offer support from a distance—he made a personal effort to check in on him regularly. By showing a readiness to make time for a player in need, Sirianni solidified trust in ways words alone never could. In business, leadership that shows genuine care for the well-being of employees fosters loyalty and a deeper sense of commitment to the organization.
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2. Own the Cringe
Sirianni’s transparency and willingness to own his mistakes are refreshing. After a cringeworthy press conference at his introductory meeting in 2021, Sirianni didn’t shy away from it. Instead, he addressed it head-on in a team meeting, telling his players, “That was a [expletive]-ing terrible introduction.” This level of vulnerability creates a culture where accountability is the norm, not the exception. In business, leaders who admit when they’ve erred and learn from those mistakes set an example of humility and growth. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real and continually evolving.
3. Confront Issues Head-On
Another key takeaway from Sirianni’s leadership is his ability to tackle issues head-on instead of letting them fester. Whether it’s a misunderstanding between players or a public spat, Sirianni addresses issues directly. He knows that keeping an open line of communication is critical for fostering a healthy, collaborative environment. This is true in business as well: Leaders who encourage candid conversations and confront problems in the moment build stronger, more resilient teams. Avoiding conflict may seem easier in the short term, but it only makes matters worse in the long run. In short, sidestepping conflict only creates more conflict.
If you enjoyed Sirianni’s noteworthy traits, my Off the Rak guest and Connection Culture author Michael Stallard has shared some, too, in a recent article, recognizing his ability to lead with connection, appreciation, and vision, among other talents.
While you savor the surprising outcome of this year’s Super Sunday, take a moment to appreciate the leadership that shaped the Eagles’ success. Whether you’re a coach, a manager, or an entrepreneur, the lessons from Nick Sirianni’s leadership style can help you build a stronger, more connected, and ultimately more successful team. I’ll say this only once: Go Iggles.
J D Salazar
In business relationships or personal relationships owning your mistakes and more importantly saying “I made a mistake” is so powerful in healing and strengthening relationships.