Andy Reid won’t get another chance to ‘do a better job’ for Eagles

Surprising no one, the Philadelphia Eagles have fired head coach Andy Reid. Reid’s earlier success was not enough to help him keep the job.

After 14 years of standing behind his man, Eagles owner Jeff Lurie announced he was getting rid of Reid.

“We’re going to be saying goodbye to the winningest coach in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles, that’s the main point that’s not said lightly because there can only be one winningest coach in the history of an NFL franchise,” said Lurie.

Reid’s 4 and 12 record this year had fans calling for his head for weeks, but Lurie says the decision to fire his head coach was difficult.

“It was no easy task, he left no stone unturned, and his dedication was incredible,” said Lurie. Reid was not on hand at Lurie’s news conference. Earlier, the owner gave Reid a special game ball to mark his tenure with the team.

Merrill Reese, Eagles radio broadcaster since 1977, says Reid’s firing had become a formality.

“Everybody knew that this was a year in which the Eagles had to produce,” said Reese. “I’m not even sure if they had gone 9-7 or 10-6 that would have been enough.” 

Lately, some season ticket holders have stayed home in protest, but Reese says they will come back if the right person is selected to be the new head coach.

“If they bring in a coach that people can get excited about they will be ready to go,” he said. “I disagree with people that say this team has to take a big step backwards and that we are in store 3-13, 4-12 seasons. I think that somebody can come in put in a couple of proper pieces and this team can be right back in the playoff hunt next year.”

Owner Jeff Lurie says he’s heard the angry fans and despite what they may think each loss hits him in the gut.

“We have a season like this year, it’s embarrassing to me it’s personally crushing,” said Lurie.  “Our fans are the best fans in the country, we say that a lot, these fans deserve the very best and this year they got a team that wasn’t very good at all and I feel terrible about that.”

Lurie is not saying how long it will take to pick a replacement.