Gonzo: Reid, between the lines

So what is our plan? Who is a better, proven alternative that is available?

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

Marty,

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.

Michael,

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.

It's good to dream.

Leave Andy Reid alone and let him do his job. To make a journalistic analogy, he would have won at least one Pulitzer Prize by now and is a candidate virtually every year. Are you?

Rich,

I think the correct analogy would be that Reid was a Pulitzer finalist once. He lost, then left the ceremony in disgrace after his date, Donna, threw up.

As for me, I've won countless Pulitzers. This is what all Pulitzer winners do. We work as tilty-headed Page 2 sports monkeys for The Inquirer. It is a wonderful life.

Headlines that Andy Reid must go are ridiculous, in my opinion. It is very clear to see those coaching mistakes by Reid, but the biggest mistake he has made is staying with Donovan McNabb. For at least five years, McNabb has proven he cannot go down and win a game. McNabb is one of the better QBs as far as statistics, but he does not have that element that all great QBs have as far as taking control and winning the game.

Jerry,

I couldn't agree more. I hate headlines like that - mainly because I don't write them. Had I authored the "Reid Must Go" headline, it would have included a few expletives. Maybe an exclamation point, too.

It's all about subtlety.

There should be an article a day calling for Andy Reid's head. It has been too long, and he has now proven that his style is obsolete and can no longer compete with the rest of the league's better teams.

 Unfortunately, we're probably stuck with Andy for a few more years. 

Andy Reid is a slow-witted, slow-thinking plotter. He doesn't react. He doesn't adjust. And in pressure situations, he is just like his quarterback: He chokes.

I've officially had it. As of today, I become a Titans fan. I can't name a single player on the team, but at least their coach doesn't make excuses. I just can't take the Eagles' lack of responsibility anymore. Thank you for explicitly saying what some of your colleagues don't dare mention: Andy must go.

Of course Andy Reid should not be allowed to be Kevin Kolb's coach if Donovan McNabb is let go (and he should be let go). Reid would need a lobotomy to change the way he coaches and selects talent. Kolb would still be without a fullback, go-to receiver and top tight end.

Is Kolb the answer? I don't know. But I do know that the Reid/McNabb combo isn't.

It's kinda sad that I don't even care anymore. Wake me when Andy Reid is gone.

---

Contact columnist John Gonzalez at 215-854-2813 or gonzalez@phillynews.com.