Leadership Lessons from the Gridiron (and a Joyful Eagles Fan)
Sports have an unparalleled ability to teach life’s most valuable lessons—especially about leadership. As both a leadership coach and a passionate Eagles fan, this weekend’s Super Bowl win was inspiring on every level. Jalen Hurts embodied relentless commitment to excellence, Brandon Graham showcased unwavering loyalty, and Saquon Barkley (my hometown favorite) radiated humility and a deep love for family. Together, they delivered more than just a victory—it was a powerful display of leadership in action, a true masterclass for anyone watching.
One lesson stood out to me the most as both a leadership coach and a fan, and it comes from none other than Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. His decision to step back from play-calling to take on a broader, “CEO-like” role is the ultimate leadership power move. It’s about recognizing when to trust your team, delegate critical tasks, and focus on the bigger picture.
The CEO Mindset
If you’re anything like me (and most leaders I coach), the temptation to stay “in the game” is real. You want to be involved in every detail, ensuring everything runs exactly how you envisioned it. But here’s the thing—it’s not your job to call every play.
Sirianni’s transition from play-caller to CEO-coach is a profound lesson for nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, and anyone in a position of leadership. It’s a shift from being in the weeds to overseeing the entire field. Instead of micromanaging every detail, your job is to align your team with a vision, make decisions that move the organization forward, and build a culture that thrives.
For Sirianni, that meant trusting his coordinators to take the reins on play-calling so he could focus on managing and empowering his team. For us, it means handing over projects, trusting in our people’s abilities, and dedicating our energy to strategic leadership.
One of Sirianni’s boldest moves was his trust in his team—more specifically, in his offensive coordinator’s ability to handle play-calling. This wasn’t just a delegation of duties; it was an act of empowerment.
And trust is the foundation of great leadership.
When you delegate responsibility, you give your team the tools to innovate, the freedom to grow, and the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s allowing your program managers to own initiatives at a nonprofit or letting an emerging leader spearhead a high-stakes corporate project, showing trust fosters engagement, autonomy, and excellence.
My role as a coach often involves guiding leaders through this process—learning when to step back and empower their teams. Believe me, when a leader trusts their team and creates space for them to shine, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Key Takeaways from the Lesson
1. Just a reminder about the importance of the 5,000-Foot View
Stepping back to see the big picture can feel unnatural at first, but the rewards are undeniable. When you shift your focus beyond the immediate details, you gain clarity that transforms your approach.
2. Sharper Strategic Decisions
By freeing yourself from the grind of daily tasks, you’re able to see the broader landscape. This perspective empowers you to make decisions that align with long-term goals, rather than just reacting to short-term challenges.
3. Stronger Team Performance
Empowered teams thrive. When individuals feel ownership of their work, creativity flourishes, productivity soars, and they become deeply invested in success. Strong leadership enables them to reach their full potential.
4. Burnout Prevention
Let’s face it—trying to do everything yourself is a fast track to burnout. By delegating tasks outside your core strengths, you create space to focus on what truly matters. This isn’t just good for you—it’s essential for sustainable leadership.
5. Balance is Key
Stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away. Take Nick Sirianni as an example—he didn’t hand over the Eagles’ playbook and head to the beach. He stayed deeply involved in strategy, supported his players, and maintained a strong presence where it mattered most.
The key is balance. Your team needs your guidance and presence, but not micromanagement. Regular check-ins, clear expectations, and celebrating wins foster both autonomy and alignment. It’s about empowering your team while staying strategically engaged.
6. A Leadership Coach’s Perspective
This weekend’s Super Bowl win reinforced something I emphasize to leaders every day: trust is everything. True leadership is about empowerment, and stepping back isn’t about doing less—it’s about focusing on what matters most.
Nick Sirianni’s approach this season took the Eagles to incredible heights, rooted in his ability to trust his team and stay focused on the big picture. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, managing a corporate team, or charting your next strategy, his lesson resonates universally.
How will you step into your 5,000-foot view this week? And as a proud Eagles fan—and Super Bowl-winning fan—I’ll be rooting for your leadership wins every step of the way!
