Gonzo: Reid, between the lines

If we get rid of Reid, what's the plan to replace him?

As a lover of sarcasm, I commend your use of the form.

Now then: I've always found the "who would you rather have" argument to be rather hollow. There are good coaches available. Former Steelers front man Bill Cowher is off fishing or knitting or some such. And former Eagles assistant Steve Spagnuolo is a coordinator just 90 miles north of here.

Beyond those two, there are plenty of people who would love to graduate from the assistant level. Are they already "proven" to be "better" than Reid? No. But this is what people seem to forget: When Reid was hired, he was an unknown position coach from Green Bay that almost no one in Philly endorsed.

Point is, no matter whom you hire, it's a risk. Sometimes coaches work out. Sometimes they don't. Either way, there comes a time when you have to take that chance and rebuild.

Reid did some wonderful things for this city and this franchise. But past success should not guarantee future employment. Just like players, coaches have expiration dates. Reid has been here for almost a decade. That's a long time to be a head coach in one spot.

It's like that line from The Godfather: It's not personal. It's business.

Amen. Obstinate is the right word to describe Andy Reid.

His game-management skills have been lacking from day one, and they have not improved one iota. They haven't improved because Reid doesn't see said management as a problem. He doesn't think well on his feet. He fails to effectively adjust during the game or at the half. Time management? What the hell is that?

I'd like to believe Reid can improve. But if he refuses to sincerely acknowledge his own personal shortcomings, he is nothing more than an overachiever who has gone as far as he can go.

I'd like to believe he can improve and/or change his ways, too. I'd also like to believe that I'll be independently wealthy one day, and that I'll retire to an island where I can sun myself and visit with women in grass skirts.