Sirianni was “disappointed,” complaining about the Eagles’ booing after Sunday’s win

PHILADELPHIA – Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized for his interaction with a group of fans at the end of Sunday's home game against the Cleveland Browns.

“I tried to convey energy and enthusiasm yesterday and I'm sorry and disappointed with how my energy was used at the end of the game,” he said during his video conference with reporters on Monday. “My energy should be fully focused on coaching, motivating and celebrating our boys. And I need to have more wisdom and judgment about when to use that energy, and this wasn’t the right time.”

As the Eagles secured a 20-16 win over Cleveland, Sirianni was seen on camera screaming and gesturing toward fans in the area behind the team's sideline. At one point he put his finger to his ear, seeming to indicate that he had silenced her chirping with a victory.

There were boos throughout parts of the game, while the offense stalled at times and the talented Eagles struggled to separate themselves from the now 1-5 Browns. While it wasn't overwhelming, there were some parts of the crowd that chanted “Fire Nick” during some bad moments in Philadelphia.

Sirianni, who wore a wry smile and winked, said he was “just excited to get the win” as he explained his interaction with fans after the game. He praised the crowd for being loud and causing a few false start penalties for Cleveland.

But when Sirianni was asked about the ridicule the Eagles received in their home stadium, he acknowledged they could do without the negativity.

“We thrive in front of the crowd when they cheer us on. That’s all I can say,” Sirianni said Sunday. “We hear them when they boo. We don't necessarily like that. I don't think this is productive for anyone. But when they cheer us on and when we get them rolling, we love it.”

Sirianni faced criticism after last season's failure, when an Eagles team that started 10-1 finished 1-6.

The on-field product this season leaves a lot to be desired. The offense has been a point of frustration given the talent level – the group boasts one of the best offensive lines in football and features AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley at the skill positions – compared to previous results. Since scoring 34 points in the opener against the Green Bay Packers, the Eagles have averaged 18 points in the four games since.

Sirianni was by far the most demonstrative he has ever been on the sideline this season. He played with several Browns defensive players, including cornerback Greg Newsome II, and was called into contact with the referees on several occasions.

Before Sunday, he had toned down his behavior, knowing that stalking officials in particular could send the wrong message to his players.

Sirianni revealed that the return to his fiery demeanor came at the behest of some of his players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who encouraged Sirianni to be himself.

When asked about the middle ground, Sirianni said, “You want to be passionate and have that energy,” but it has to be channeled in the right way and at the right time. Addressing the home fans after a win was clearly not what was expected, Sirianni said.

“We have the best fans in the world,” he said on Monday. “There is no place like this.”