Nick Sirianni has no regrets about resting starters and whether you like it or not, that’s the right mindset

Nick Sirianni knew exactly what he was signing up for when he chose to rest most of the Eagles’ starters in Week 18. He knew the criticism would come if the game went sideways. He knew the No. 2 seed was still technically on the table and he knew that if the backups failed to get it done, people would question the decision immediately.

None of that changed his stance after the loss.

Following the Eagles’ 24-17 defeat to Washington, Nick Sirianni made it clear he does not regret the call. Not even a little.

From his perspective, the decision was about one thing and one thing only. Sirianni is doing what he believes gives the Eagles the best chance to win in January.

Nick Sirianni regrets nothing and he’s absolutely correct

Nick Sirianni says he doesn’t regret the decision to rest the starters

Says being healthy going into the postseason is important to them pic.twitter.com/xaOWDsH1qu

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) January 5, 2026

Nick Sirianni said he went through the process, weighed the risks, and made the choice he felt was best for the football team. He acknowledged that this exact outcome was always a possibility and the only thing he could guarantee was rest.

He could not guarantee seeding help, a win with backups, or how the other scoreboard would break. What he could guarantee was that his core players would be healthier heading into the playoffs, and that mattered more to him than chasing a seed.

The Eagles entered Week 18 needing two things to happen.

They had to beat Washington, and they needed Detroit to beat Chicago. Detroit handled its business with a 19-16 win. Philadelphia did not. Playing mostly backups, the Eagles came up short, locking them into the No. 3 seed and a Wild Card matchup at home against San Francisco.

If the starters had played, the Eagles probably win that game. That much feels obvious. But Sirianni was not interested in hindsight arguments. He was focused on the bigger picture. He said being healthy entering the postseason has served this team well in the past, and he believes it will again.

What is important here is that the decision was not made on Sunday afternoon. It was made earlier in the week, communicated to players, and committed to fully.

Nick Sirianni made it clear there was never a serious thought of inserting starters late in the game, even when things were close. Throwing cold players into high leverage snaps after sitting for two or three quarters was not something he felt was fair or safe.

That consistency matters. Coaches lose locker rooms when they waffle. Nick Sirianni did the opposite. He gathered input, made the call, owned it, and stuck with it. Some players appreciated the rest. Others dressed and played their roles. Everyone knew the plan.

This is the job of a head coach. You make tough decisions knowing half the room will agree and half will not. You cannot coach scared of the reaction.

Nick Sirianni understands that. He also understands that the real verdict on this decision will not come from a Week 18 box score. It will come from how the Eagles look when the playoffs start.

The Eagles are healthy. They are at home. And the road to where they want to go is still right in front of them. That is why Nick Sirianni has no regrets and honestly, neither should anyone else.

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