Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles are having a commendable season but can’t seem to stay out of the headlines for off-field drama. New details have emerged about a postgame clash between Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz and Sirianni after their Week 16 loss against the Washington Commanders. Did holiday cheer turn into holiday jeers? You bet it did.
What Happened Between Nick Sirianni and Zach Ertz?
Reports are circulating online that Ertz and Sirianni had to be separated after Washington’s upset 36-33 victory over Philly. However, both have downplayed the incident, claiming they simply exchanged “holiday pleasantries.”
Sources told The Inquirer a different story. Ertz took serious exception to Sirianni’s comment about his performance. Things got so heated that Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro had to step in and remove Sirianni.
The Philadelphia Inquirer later reported that Sirianni contacted Ertz via Zoom to apologize. The details of Sirianni’s comment remain a mystery for now, but the fact that an apology was deemed necessary speaks a lot about the situation.
Our camera caught part of this interaction (apologies for the blurriness).
It looks like Ertz goes in for the handshake/high five with Sirianni. Then Sirianni turns his head and says something to Ertz after he walks by. That fired the #Commanders tight end up @wusa9 https://t.co/z9nL8OVYUW pic.twitter.com/2JSDiC8iUL
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) December 26, 2024
Ertz is a Philly legend. He ranks second in franchise history in receptions (579) and fifth in receiving yards (6,267). However, his time with the Eagles pre-dates Sirianni’s tenure as head coach, as Ertz was traded to the Arizona Cardinals midway through 2021.
Sirianni had previously spoken highly of Ertz in Week 11, calling him an “all-time Eagle” and praising his continued high level of play. “I think, first and foremost, Zach is an all-time Eagle and was really honored to be around him, and he’s still playing at a high level in this part of his career,” the Eagles HC said.
“So, going through that and him moving on, us moving on in the organization, him getting another fresh start, that was always a tough one because I did really come to really value Zach Ertz the person, Zach Ertz the player. Enjoyed the time I had around him,” Sirianni continued.
This isn’t the first time Sirianni’s sideline antics have caused a stir. He’s previously clashed with his defensive line coach and even exchanged words with fans in the stands.