Super Bowl 2023: Chiefs vs Eagles: Coaching matchup | Nick Sirianni vs Andy Reid

As we prepare for the Super Bowl, we’re taking a look at what could be the most intriguing battle of all when the Chiefs take on the Eagles and that’s the one that will unfold between Andy Reid and Nick Sirianni, the respective head coaches of the teams. Both men have work with both teams, which adds the element of theatre to the game that football fans love to see.

“Perfect for Philadelphia” - Andy Reid on Nick Sirianni

It would be fair to say that Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, has history with the Philadelphia Eagles. This after all, is the man who was actually the winningest head coach in the history of the Eagles franchise. Truth be told, much of the organizational structure that we see in Philly today, is based on what Reid built during his tenure. Whether we’re talking the roster, the front office, or even the hiring of a head coach, Reid’s stamp is all over the Eagles. Incidentally, it’s that very philosophy that saw the team hire their present coach, Nick Sirianni, who Reid thinks is a perfect fit for the job, given the pressure that Philadelphia’s fans bring with them.

“I loved his personality. He’s a guy that you can talk to and (he) communicates well. He’s got a fire to him that you appreciate – and the players appreciate,” Reid said Thursday. “A personality is what I’m saying – a good personality. ...And he’s smart. I had a chance to talk to him and he’s a smart kid. And I think he’s perfect for Philadelphia. That’s a tough place and he’s a tough kid, and he relates well to those people there.”

Andy Reid and Nick Sirianni have history

What’s interesting about the two men, is that Sirianni and Reid have actually crossed paths before. Indeed, it was Reid who found Sirianni as the wide receivers coach when he was hired and subsequently chose not to retain him. Instead, Reid opted for a coach who was with him in Philadelphia at the time when he joined the Chiefs back in 2012.

“When I came here, I was told Nick Sirianni is a really special coach. Really a good football coach,” Reid said earlier this week. “But I had David (Culley). David was my assistant head coach and he had been with me for 14 years and so, he was coming with me. ...And I had to make that determination to keep Nick or not, and I knew being as good as he was and the reputation he had, I knew he was going to get something. And so, it’s worked out great for him.”

What was Nick Sirianni’s path?

Following his release, Sirianni wound up with the then San Diego Chargers the very next season. There, he served in the role of offensive quality control coach, before being promoted to quarterbacks and wide receivers coach. After working in that role for a few years, he would go on to join the Indianapolis Colts as their offensive coordinator for three years, before he finally made the move to Philly. Fittingly, when speaking about the man he’s about to face in the Super Bowl, Sirianni wasn’t just respectful, he was appreciative.

“He (Reid) had a guy that I really admired that he pulled me into the office and asked to meet with me and told me face to face that he had a guy, but had heard good things about me, and I appreciated that,” Sirianni said this week. “His honesty, his ability to get to me as soon as he possibly could so I could move on and find another job. I didn’t get a chance to pick his brain at all on anything like that but got a ton of respect for Coach Reid and who he is as a person and who he is as a coach. His record speaks for itself, but you talk to anybody, and they think even higher of him as a person. Do I know him all that well? No. But I have a high amount of respect for him.”

Nick Sirianni reflects on his time in Kansas City

What’s interesting about the situation is that both men have fond memories of their time with the other team. Indeed, Sirianni actually met his wife during his time working with the Chiefs. To that end, the Eagles coach explains that he bears no ill-will towards Reid, but quite the opposite, as it was Reid’s decision which led to his career advancing.

“Obviously, it was really important both ways,” Sirianni said. Kansas City is a great town. We really enjoyed our time there. My wife had a lot of friends there. I made some good friends there, as well, none of which I would assume are rooting for us or our family this weekend, but that’s okay. When you have something as significant as meeting your wife there in that city, that place, that time frame, that city is always going to carry a special place in my heart because of that.”

What did Andy Reid say about Philly?

For Reid, it’s not just a matter of fond memories, but also the fact that his first coaching opportunity came courtesy of the Eagles. Of course, with the amount of success he would go on to achieve, it’s no wonder he holds the franchise close to his heart. With that said, he’s now got a chance to put one over on his old team and by all accounts, he seems to be relishing the prospect.

“I had a great time there. 14 years, long time, huh?” Reid said Sunday. “I’m happy for them, I’m happy for the city. They’re passionate. They love football. I can’t wait till when Kansas City and Philly clash, it is going to be awesome. What a great Super Bowl it will be.”