Dawn Staley Sends Strong Message on Nick Sirianni For Breaking Norms During Eagles’ Super Bowl Journey

On one hand, Dawn Staley has long been a symbol of discipline, excellence, and unapologetic leadership. From North Philadelphia to three national titles at South Carolina, she has created programs that succeed by defying conventional wisdom. Nick Sirianni, on the other hand, has forged a similar path for himself. In 2021, when he took over, critics questioned his leadership abilities because of his awkward first press conference. Fast forward to 2025, Sirianni has had four consecutive postseason appearances, a 48–20 record (.706 win percentage), and most recently, a commanding 40–22 victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

So, the Eagles’ win was a bounce-back from a disappointing 2023 collapse. Sirianni knew not to repeat history. And for that, he needed perspective. Some raised eyebrows when he started consulting coaches outside the football world. But not in Philly. Not when Dawn Staley, the basketball legend who understands what it takes to create dynasties from the ground up, was one of those voices. And this time, she wasn’t addressing the Gamecocks. She addressed the Eagles.

An Instagram post from the Philadelphia Inquirer Sports summed it up perfectly: “Nick Sirianni looks to other successful coaches for guidance. That includes hoops legend Dawn Staley… Eagles stars like Jalen Hurts heard the North Philly native’s message loud and clear.” Although Staley was evasive about the specifics of her remarks, her influence was evident. She told The Inquirer, “I just shared what championship behavior looks like, sounds like, and feels like.” This was more than simply a motivational speech for Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and the other Eagles; it was a cultural fit. “It was very synonymous with what they had going on. I think sometimes you need some reassurance you’re doing the right thing…But I know they probably walked away and said, ‘We’re right in line with what we’re doing, and it’s successful. We just have to finish it.’ And boy, did they finish it,” added Staley.

And Staley has visited the NovaCare Complex previously. Sirianni brought in heavyweights after 2023 ended bitterly, like Staley, Jay Wright, Nick Saban, and Geno Auriemma—sports veterans who understand how to win and, more crucially, how to maintain it. The message from Staley? “I love it when men in places like where Coach Sirianni are, where they don’t really care what gender you are. They just want to win.”

For Sirianni, creating a championship identity that could endure pressure, setbacks, and noise was more important than Xs and Os. He saw that mentality embodied in Staley. Her path from Philadelphia grit to national dominance exemplified the very fortitude he wished to see ingrained in the Eagles’ locker room. “So there’s just been a lot of good insight that I’ve been able to pick up from them. And, again, you’ve got to continue to try to grow at all times. I’ve been thankful for them talking to me and passing that knowledge of questions that I have,” said Sirianni. And that’s why her presence was important. Though it’s not clear what she said, but safe to say that she didn’t talk to the team like a guest speaker. She spoke like a fellow architect of greatness.

How Jalen Hurts helped lock in Nick Sirianni’s future in Philly

Nick Sirianni stammered through his first Eagles press conference four years ago. Four years later, he was shaking hands with owner Jeffrey Lurie over a multi-year agreement with a Lombardi Trophy. Sirianni’s transformation from a dubious choice to the NFL’s highest-winning percentage coach (.706) has been nothing short of spectacular. But he won’t take the credit if you question him about his contract renewal. He gave the mic to Howie Roseman, Dallas Goedert, Jalen Hurts, and pretty much everyone else who contributed to the development of the 2024 redemption arc.

“I’m not in this situation without great players… without Jalen,” Sirianni said. Hurts returned the favour by saying, “Everything he’s achieved and accomplished, he’s earned… Hopefully we’re just getting started.” This went beyond a simple press tour of adoration. It was a cultural affirmation. A head coach and a quarterback walking in unison. A group of people who have greater faith in one another. Jeffery Lurie, who openly praised Sirianni’s “tremendous leadership” and “growth mindset,” also took note of it.

And without a doubt, Sirianni’s new contract puts him in the elite bracket of coaching. Although Andy Reid still earns $20 million a year, don’t be shocked if Sirianni’s deal lands him close to that. With 48 wins, four playoff trips, and now a Super Bowl ring—all in just four seasons—the math practically does itself. But Sirianni continued to focus on the grind rather than the money, as usual. He remarked, “You don’t win a pickup basketball game and say, ‘All right, I’m satisfied. I’m going home.’ You say, ‘Hey, how do we run it back?’ We’re not even thinking about running it back. We’re thinking about where we are today and getting better.”