Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has sparked an intense backlash among the team’s fanbase after sending a controversial message to current head coach Nick Sirianni. Sources confirmed to ESPN that Kelly, who served as the Eagles’ head coach from 2013 to 2015, made a pointed comment about Sirianni’s success, saying, “Nick Sirianni is really lucky to have the best talent in the NFL—that’s the only reason he could win a Super Bowl.” This remark came shortly after Sirianni led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, capping an 18-win season and an NFL record of 145 playoff points. The comment, which many perceived as a dig at Sirianni’s coaching abilities, quickly ignited a firestorm of anger within the Eagles’ passionate fanbase.

Chip Kelly’s time with the Eagles was marked by controversy, with his approach to team building often scrutinized. His tenure ended with a disappointing 6-9 record in 2015, after he made a series of head-scratching decisions, most notably trading away star running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills and releasing wide receiver DeSean Jackson. These moves were widely criticized and are often seen as a turning point that led to Kelly’s firing. Since then, the Eagles have found a level of success under other coaches, with Doug Pederson guiding them to a Super Bowl victory in 2018, followed by Sirianni’s success in 2023. Despite his brief and turbulent time in Philadelphia, Kelly’s latest remarks seem to reveal lingering bitterness about his own struggles with the team.

The reaction from Eagles fans on social media was swift and furious. Many took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to vent their frustrations. One user, @EaglesNation, fired back at Kelly, posting, “Chip Kelly had McCoy and Jackson—some of the best talent in the league—and what did he do? Traded McCoy for Kiko Alonso and let Jackson walk!” Others were quick to point out Kelly’s failure to capitalize on the team’s potential during his tenure, with @PhillyFanatic tweeting, “Kelly’s ‘blur offense’ flopped in the NFL, and now he’s salty? Sirianni built a champion with this roster—give him credit!” These responses highlight the lasting animosity many Eagles fans still feel toward Kelly, whose moves and philosophies are often seen as a major reason for the team’s struggles during his time in charge.

Kelly’s remarks about Sirianni’s success downplay the substantial coaching skills and adjustments made by Sirianni, particularly his ability to get the most out of his players. Sirianni played a pivotal role in the development of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had a breakout season with 4,132 passing yards and 38 total touchdowns. Sirianni also worked wonders with running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for a career-high 2,504 yards, and wide receiver A.J. Brown, who posted 1,079 yards on the season. By maximizing the talents of these key players, Sirianni not only led the Eagles to their second Super Bowl appearance in five years but also showed that his coaching was far more than just relying on raw talent.

While Kelly’s comments have drawn significant criticism, Sirianni himself has yet to respond publicly to the jabs from his predecessor. Sources close to Sirianni indicate that he is focusing on the upcoming 2025 season, determined to lead the team on another deep playoff run and prove that his success is built on more than just the players around him. Sirianni has a reputation for being a calm and focused coach, one who prioritizes the team over individual accolades. His ability to build strong relationships with his players and foster a winning culture has been integral to the team’s success since his arrival.

However, the tension between Kelly and the Eagles’ fanbase remains palpable. Fans continue to voice their frustration with the former coach, and his latest remarks have only deepened the rift. Kelly’s decision to call out Sirianni’s success without acknowledging the hard work and strategic decisions made by the current head coach is seen by many as a sign of resentment and bitterness. His tenure in Philadelphia left many questioning his methods, and it appears that this lingering bitterness has yet to dissipate.

As the Eagles continue to thrive under Sirianni, the former coach’s comments are unlikely to sway the current narrative. Philadelphia fans have firmly embraced Sirianni’s leadership, and his ability to bring out the best in his players has solidified his place in Eagles history. With another season on the horizon, the team remains focused on defending its Super Bowl title and building on the success achieved under Sirianni’s guidance.

For now, Chip Kelly’s remarks may have stirred up controversy, but they also serve as a reminder of the tumultuous and often painful years of his leadership. The Eagles are no longer the team they were under Kelly, and with a proven champion at the helm in Sirianni, the future looks brighter than ever. Fans are eager to see what’s next for the Eagles, and while Kelly’s comments may have sparked outrage, they are unlikely to overshadow the excitement and optimism surrounding the team’s current success.