Sean Desai’s Iron Grip Over Play Calling Duties Led to Rift With HC Nick Sirianni & Consecutive Demotion

The football world was shocked when they learned that the Philadelphia Eagles are demoting their defensive coordinator Sean Desai, despite a winning record. HC Nick Sirianni was brutal in his approach after two losses, but new details have emerged that could have been the issue that led to Desai’s demotion.

The Eagles were soaring through with a 10-1 record, but back-to-back losses against the 49ers and the Cowboys had a toll on HC Sirianni. Matt Patricia was promoted to the role of DC and Desai had to step down, but remained on the staff. It seems it was Desai’s firm hold on defensive plays that was a contributing factor in this demotion.

Sean Desai and Nick Sirianni did not see eye-to-eye

Recently the Philadelphia Inquirer uncovered the mess behind the seemingly rash decision of the Eagles and Sirianni. “Sirianni wanted more collaboration and communication between Desai and his staff”, said a source close to the Eagles. “He (Sirianni) conveyed to his coordinator a need to be more open to other viewpoints”, sources told. But the cause of the breakdown could’ve been a control over the 3rd downs.

By the time Desai was demoted, the Eagles though had a winning record, but were not tactically sound in defensive departments. They were ranked 25th in the red zone and 26th on 3rd down.

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With tough games, the upcoming head coach wanted to change the tactics. “Sirianni wanted more of a collective approach. Desai pushed back”, said the sources. But after the two losses, there was no saving face for Desai, and he was demoted. But has Matt Patricia been doing better?

The Eagles’ new DC

It is unrealistic to expect a change in the entire makeup of the defense this late in the season. Patricia’s handiwork is still visible in the way the Eagles are running their defenses. In his first game against the Seahawks, the defense stood tall and kept the Seahawks out of the game for three quarters.

Last week, after 3 losses, the Eagles finally tasted victory against the Giants and it seems that HC Nick Sirianni did make the right decision indeed.

Do you agree with Sirianni’s decision to demote Sean Desai? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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