Nick Sirianni has come under heavy criticism following the collapse of the Philadelphia Eagles. Now he is getting support from one of his captains: Defense star Fletcher Cox emotionally defends his head coach.

The Philadelphia Eagles have experienced an unprecedented collapse in recent weeks.

After starting with ten wins from eleven games, they lost six of their last seven and were clearly eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Since then, criticism has focused primarily on Head Coach Nick Sirianni. The 42-year-old, who reached the Super Bowl last season and only narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, is being called by more than a few as the next coach to be fired in the NFL.

However, he has support from within the team. Long-time defensive tackle Fletcher Cox clearly backed his coach to the media

Emotional backing for Sirianni

“What are we even talking about here?” asked the 33-year-old forcefully. “I know he’s a winner. Of course we had a few dents, but every team, every franchise and every player has them. And now you want to fire someone?”

The run defender has played for the Eagles since his rookie year in 2012, drafted at No. 12 in the first round.

“We’re not going to fire someone who’s won at least ten games twice and made the playoffs three times in a row,” argued Cox: “This is also about respect.”

And further: “Our coach is a leader and does his job well. I’m not talking about sacking him, the man has a family,” the veteran finished his emotional appeal to the press representatives present.

Other players had already spoken out in support of their head coach. Star quarterback Jalen Hurts said that as far as he knows, Sirianni “isn’t going anywhere”.

Center Jason Kelce, who has since resigned, said: “He’s a great coach. Nobody was good enough this year, coaches or players. But I believe in him. “