Gruden is not replacing Reid
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Gruden is not replacing Reid
Daily News staff
There are only about a million reasons, starting with the Rooney Rule, why this is not true.
We can't even stomach calling this a report.
If you haven't heard, former Eagles fullback Kyle Eckel passed along what he termed a "rumor" on his Facebook page that Andy Reid was stepping down as the Eagles coach for personal reasons. Former Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden would replace him as coach with the announcement coming Tuesday.
Then, a TV reporter in Missouri picked up the story, and then a blog post said Gruden was in town last night.
And the blogosphere went crazy overnight and through the morning.
Reid is under contract through 2013, and the hiring of Juan Castillo certainly dispels any notion that Reid is not still solidly in charge.
Here is a statement from the Eagles: “Early this morning we have received several inquiries regarding the rumors regarding Andy Reid and Jon Gruden. This was simply a rumor and there is no basis to it at all. It is simply not true.”
A team source called the whole thing "ridiculous" and said this was an example of "social media gone awry."
As for Gruden, an ESPN spokesman said, he worked the 9 a.m. SportsCenter from Dallas, appeared on the pregame show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then was scheduled to fly home to Florida. Asked if Gruden could have been in Philly, the spokesman said, "I would be surprised if that were the case."
Having been pinpointed as the original "source," Eckel went back to his Facebook page to try to clarify, "Growing up in Philly I get to hear the gossip around town. And that's just what this Andy Reid stuff is all about. Gossip. Hence my original comment stating "Rumor". I'm surprised I was one of the first to mention the new gossip! In any way, shape, or form sports are fun and a great way to link a community."
Then this, "Lets find out soon of the validity to this Gruden rumor. I hope none of you got the wrong impression with my previous status. Bottom line, my family and I are forever indebted to Andy Reid for giving me the opportunity Ive always dreamed of. Playing for my hometown Eagles ... If Reids problems are personal lets hope they can be resolved safely and with peace."
**
To read our earlier post with Super Bowl odds, click here.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
i heard ray rhodes is coming back— MPatt24
speaking of coaches stepping down:...it would be nice if Gianinni would step down at LaSalle,....and take the AD with him,....jus sayin— SyddBarrett- chuckie!— your_mom_says_hi!
- Big Ragu, Jon Gruden only won the Super Bowl because Tony Dungy built that contending team and then got a raw deal with racism playing a part in the owners decision to fire him. But Mr. Dungy showed true character and got vindication at Indianopolis. Chucky would be a bad choice for Philadelphia.— aumu
