Fans' views mixed on Andy Reid's return

Donna Widmann, 37, a seventh-grade English teacher, was not thrilled by the announcement Tuesday that Andy Reid would again be the Eagles coach next season.

"I know my whole family is not happy about it," said Widmann as she waited for a train at Suburban Station for a late-afternoon commute home to Chestnut Hill.

However, other fans at the station were pleased with team owner Jeffrey Lurie's decision to keep Reid for a 14th season.

"You just can't throw Andy under the bus," said Dwayne Green, 50, of Wilmington. "He's done well for Philadelphia."

The Eagles had a poor showing with an 8-8 season, but Green said the team would "be something to reckon with" next fall.

James Lambert, 40, of Levittown, learned about the news from a reporter.

"Oh, no! Bad!" Lambert said. "They should've got rid of him a long time ago."

Lambert's complaint, echoed by many frustrated fans, was that Reid has not been able to win the "big one."

Though Lurie said he believed Reid had "the fire in his belly to be the best," Widmann said she believed Reid lacked the emotion a coach needed.

"He doesn't have that spark," she said.

Brian Balint, 53, of South Philadelphia, sided with Lurie.

"I don't think he's going to find anybody better right now," Balint said. "I don't think anybody's going to come in and make it better all of the sudden."

Pat Tiefel, 22, of Glenolden, said he was not an Eagles fan, but he agreed with the critics.

"Thirteen years? He's got to go," Tiefel said, adding that, as a non-fan, he could be more objective.

David White, 57, of Southwest Philadelphia, had not been aware of the news and seemed somewhat surprised, but pleasantly so.

"I think Andy Reid deserves a little bit of loyalty," White said.

Lurie's decision was a hot topic on Twitter.

@DrueMoore wrote: "Andy Reid is staying hmmm, good for now but as soon as a better coach is available we need to make a move and fire him."

@venoots expressed disappointment: "you would think after 'the dream team' didnt make the playoffs, andy reid would be gone but nope were stuck with him for another 2 years."

@sethbreeden tweeted sarcastically: "So excited that Andy Reid is coaching a 14th season with the Birds . . . #not."