Lurie says he wants Reid and McNabb back
Kendra Wilkinson, fiancé of Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett, was among the many Birds fans in attendance at the Metrodome. (David Maialetti/Staff Photographer)
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has told the Boston Globe that he plans to have Andy Reid as coach and Donovan McNabb as quarterback next season.
"With Andy's leadership, we were in four straight NFC championship games and a Super Bowl," said Lurie, who grew up in Boston. "We haven't won a championship, but the quality of coaching and the quality of the performance of the team has been at a very high level.
"I think if you know you have really good coaching, you want to surround it the best possible way. That's more where we're at - try to keep improving the team, try to maximize all our resources, and think strategically. It's not about making the coach the target of frustration."
In this up-and-down Eagles season, fans and reporters in Philadelphia have debated whether Reid, McNabb or both should return. McNabb suggested two weeks ago that he planned to return and would like a contract extension, presumably with the usual signing bonus.
"Donovan has had a very good year, but it also has had its ups and downs," Lurie said, according to the Globe. "You have to know, in this sport, especially at the quarterback position, you're going to have your ups and downs. Hopefully the ups are predominant, and he's proven with him at quarterback, you have a very good chance of winning and winning big."
McNabb's contract runs through the 2010 season, and calls for him to earn $9.2 million in base salary in 2009 and $10 million in 2010.
The Eagles have "every intention of having him back," Lurie said, adding that "he's been great to work with."
