After rough start, Bill Cowher defends Eagles coach Nick Sirianni as season playoff hopes hang in balance
A difficult start in Philadelphia
Philadelphia entered the 2026 season with high expectations, two years after its championship run. The team is now 2–4, has lost four consecutive games and is preparing to face division rival Dallas on Monday night.
The Eagles are below .500 for the first time during Sirianni’s tenure, prompting criticism from some in Philadelphia. The article describes injuries, poor play, questionable decisions and bad luck as factors in the team’s struggles.
Cowher makes his case
Speaking on CBS during Week 7, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher argued that Sirianni deserves time. Cowher pointed to five straight playoff appearances, two Super Bowl trips and one championship, as well as three of Sirianni’s assistants becoming head coaches.
Cowher also cited changes to Philadelphia’s coaching staff and offensive line. He noted that the team has a 34-year-old offensive coordinator who is a first-time play-caller, and that longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is no longer there.
Playoff hopes remain alive
The article says the Eagles remain in the playoff race given the state of the NFC East and the defense’s play over recent weeks. A few favorable breaks could help the team change course.
Cowher acknowledged that getting back to the playoffs will be an uphill climb for Sirianni. He said he hopes the coach does not need three years to rebuild, as Cowher said he did before returning to create another Super Bowl championship team.
Key points
- Philadelphia is 2–4 after losing four straight games.
- Bill Cowher defended Nick Sirianni, pointing to his playoff and championship record.
- Jalen Hurts is out for the year, and Tanner McKee is set to start Monday night.
- The Eagles remain in the playoff race, but the path is difficult.