Saquon Barkley Opens Up About Past Tensions With Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni
Saquon Barkley has revealed that during his time with the New York Giants from 2018 to 2023, he couldn't stand Nick Sirianni, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. This tension was partly due to the 2022 playoff elimination, which brought friction between Barkley and Sirianni. The Giants–Eagles rivalry added to this, especially when Sirianni celebrated a playoff-clinching win for the cameras, a moment that particularly bothered Barkley at the time.
Now with the Eagles, Barkley’s perspective has shifted. He praises Sirianni's attention to detail and notes that the coach does not receive much respect despite his achievements. Since Sirianni took over as head coach in 2021, the Eagles have not had a losing season and have appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one against Kansas City earlier this year.
As of December 25, 2025, the Eagles had clinched the NFC East and had two regular-season games remaining. Barkley was seen celebrating a first down against the Washington Commanders on December 20, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.
