Lurie Says Andy Reid Will Return
NOVACARE COMPLEX — This is not the way the “Fire Andy” crowd wanted to start the new year. But team Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie said Tuesday that Andy Reid will return as coach of the Eagles for a 14th season.
There was a lot of speculation leading up to the news conference about exactly what Lurie would say. Lurie added to that with a long, impassioned build-up before stating the conclusion that Reid would return. He said that he agonized along with the fans through what he called a”unacceptable” and “disappointing.”
“There’s no doubt that if we want to win a championship next year, the best coach is Andy,” said Lurie. “If I didn’t think that next year would be substantially better, I would be announcing a coaching change for next year.”
Lurie refused to weigh in on Juan Castillo’s future as defensive coordinator, saying it was Reid’s decision on who will be on his staff. He did say that Howie Roseman would continue in the role of general manager and Banner would remain team president.
Reid’s Eagles went 8-8 this past season, a huge disappointment considering the expectations for the “Dream Team” at the beginning of the year. This season marks the first time since 2007 that the Eagles haven’t made the playoffs. That has only happened four times since he was hired. Reid is 126-81-1 in the regular season in his tenure and 10-9 in the postseason.
“This season was without question the most disappointing season since I’ve owned the team. You go through all the range of emotions during the season but the primary emotions I think are anger and frustration,” said Lurie. “It’s not only unacceptable, it’s very, very disappointing and anyone who in my mind doesn’t feel both the disappointment and anger is just not getting what we’re all about.”
Comments