The Wild Card game against the San Francisco 49ers perfectly encapsulated the Philadelphia Eagles’ turbulent season. Their 23-19 defeat exposed internal tensions, most notably a heated clash between wide receiver A.J. Brown and head coach Nick Sirianni on the sidelines.
It was a difficult contest, played in windy and challenging conditions at Lincoln Financial Field. Despite kicker Jake Elliott’s miscues, the Eagles carried a 16-10 lead into the fourth quarter.
However, Brock Purdy and the 49ers showed poise and resilience, rallying to erase the deficit. San Francisco’s defense then shut down Jalen Hurts’ passing lanes to secure the victory.
With a spot in the Divisional Round at stake and emotions running high, Brown lost his composure, directing his frustration at Sirianni.
Nick Sirianni and A.J. Brown with a heated exchange on the sidelines.
( FOX) pic.twitter.com/vDlLkM8uzu
? SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 11, 2026
What happened between Brown and Sirianni?
By halftime, the Eagles held a narrow 13-7 lead. As the offense tried to extend the margin, Brown dropped two passes.
After the second miss, which forced Philadelphia to punt, Sirianni ran down the sideline to confront Brown. The receiver bristled at the criticism, sparking a heated exchange with his coach.
The situation escalated to the point that Eagles’ head of security, Dom “Big Dom” DiSandro, had to intervene, stepping between the two men to defuse the tension.
Still visibly upset, Brown later made a dismissive gesture toward a staffer. When the employee attempted to help him into a jacket, customary on cold game days, Brown shrugged it off.
AJ BROWN WAS PISSED OFF AT THE #EAGLES STAFFER WHO WAS TRYING TO PUT A COAT ON HIM.
Not interested at all.
? MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 11, 2026
Sirianni downplays argument with Brown
In a postgame interview with Fox Sports, Sirianni attempted to minimize the incident, saying: “Emotions run high, especially in the playoffs.”
“Of course, after this game, we’ll go back to loving each other. But look, this is just the way it is. We’re fine, thanks.”
Still, rumors of a divided locker room have circulated all season, contributing to the team’s struggles. Whether Sirianni and Brown remain with the Eagles-and how they might mend their relationship-remains uncertain.
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