Eagles' Lurie: 'I want Andy back'
As expected, Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said Andy Reid will return for his 14th season as head coach.
Eagles' Lurie: 'I want Andy back'
Daily News staff
Andy Reid will return for another season as the Eagles' head coach. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
As expected, Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said Andy Reid will return for his 14th season as head coach.
Reid has a record of 126-81-1, but the Eagles have not won a playoff game since 2008 and are coming off a disappointing 8-8 season.
Reid has had only one losing season after his first year in 1999 and the Eagles have been to the playoffs nine times.
After high expectations and significant spending at the end of the lockout, the Eagles struggled to a 4-8 start before winning the final four games.
“I want to see our team coached by Andy Reid and I can’t wait to see that team play,” Lurie said. “I wish that was next week, not next season. There is no doubt in my mind that if our focus is on winning a championship next year, the best coach is Andy.”
Later he said, “It’s a really confident yes. He has all the ingredients to take this team and take them far.”
He declined to say Reid had to win the Super Bowl next season. “Every year the goal is to win the Super Bowl. There are no ultimatums. That is the plan.”
Reid has two years remaining on his contract and Lurie said he saw Reid coaching the balance of the deal. Asked about whether he expected that to change, Lurie said, “Not at this point in time.”
Reid is scheduled to address reporters later this week.
Lurie also said general manager Howie Roseman will return. "Absolutely." Team president Joe Banner also will be back.
Throughout a session with reporters of more than 30 minutes, Lurie used the terms "disappointing," "unacceptable," "anger," "frustrating" and said there were "no excuses."
Lurie said he “spent weeks” trying to analyze Reid’s status and said he met with “all sorts of people internally and externally. He said he does an analysis of the “whole gamut” every year, but said this year might have been the “most intense analysis.”
He cited three factors, the track record of the coach; the more shorter-term history of the coach and “most important is the intangibles.”
“Amidst feeling all the frustration and anger as a fan, I tried to come to the best conclusion,” Lurie said.
“If I didn’t think next year would be substantially better, I would be up here announcing a coaching change or other changes,” said Lurie, who said he was holding everybody accountable, especially for the scheme changes that were put in place with a short training camp.
He also said, “It’s not enough just to make the playoffs. That is not my goal, that is not our fans’ goals. It is a precursor … ”
Lurie said only the Ravens have made the playoffs more often than the Eagles since 2008. He said only the Packers have been the playoffs more often in the NFC since 2006.
"This coach and his staff have an incredible record of getting in the tournament," Lurie said.
In outlining the intangibles, Lurie said, “How do they gel and how do they feel about this coach? I want a coach who coaches hard and I want players to respond to hard coaching… I am at practice most days, this was, contrary to the 8-8 record, this was one of the best groups in terms of motivation, focus, attention to detail … But the consistent loss of games in the fourth games was bitter for me and bitter for all of us … Does he have the fire in the belly? And does he have what it takes to have a team to take far into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl? Andy Reid has the love of the players and respect and has the fire in his belly to be the best. What is the view of Andy Reid around the league? Do players around the league want to come here to play for Andy … The short free agency period was an eye opener. He has a reputation around the league of almost always getting the team to the tournament and having a shot at the Super Bowl and respected the players in a hard way, not in a soft way … Those are some of the intangibles. Attracting talent, having the energy to succeed in a huge way, having the anger to move forward, the motivation, the dedication and the focus and the talent. My answer to those questions is yes.”
Lurie said the fans’ fatigue with Reid was “factored in.”
“We are a football team that has a large fan base and a passionate football team … You factor it in, but you put it in perspective,” he said, adding that the Reid that communicates in press conferences or defends his players and managing the team “is not the Andy Reid that I am evaluating.”
“When you can sacrifice your own popularity for your player that goes a long way in the locker room,” Lurie said. “I have a coach who handles press conferences and the media in a protective way … That is the dynamic here and we have to realize that … To use a line of his, Andy has to do a better job of that.”
Lurie also “if I felt there was too much rigidity, arrongance or a sense of separateness, I would be changing coaches.”
Lurie said there is an opportunity for Reid to still be protective of his players, but perhaps be more forthcoming. He said Reid can probably learn from other coaches who have won, but are not as protective of their players.
He said Reid is the most "non-arrogant" man and is very self-critical.
Lurie said, “There is no fear on my part in exchanging in [the prospect] of a change or going through a coaching search. I like taking risks. No need to go to the brink and say a change is about to be made. Not the case.”
COACHING STAFF
Lurie said the coaching staff is for Reid to decide, but said he has “full confidence that he will make the right decision there.”
He said if he had to tell Reid who his assistant coaches should be and what schemes to play then “I have the wrong head coach.” He said the players need to know that Reid is in charge of the staff.
Lurie said defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is a “great coach” and “an impressive man.” He suggested that Castillo might have been put in an impossible position to succeed early with the new scheme and the new players.
He said Reid has a list of possible successors when he fired Sean McDermott and that some of them were not available and there were other factors that intervened.
"There was a miscalculation in implementing major scheme changes in a lockout situation."
He said Reid has never been afraid to make changes and that makes him unique among head coaches.
OVERALL
“It’s completely unacceptable to be 8-8 and watch the teams playing next week,” he said.
“This season was without question the most disappointing season since I owned the team … You go through all the range of emotions during the season, but the primary emotions are anger and frustrating. You are coming off an NFC East championship, first place the year before, going to NFC championship the year before you are not in any way thinking if you are aggressive in free agency, make a trade for a Pro Bowl cornerback and continue to improve the team with good young players and Michael Vick coming off a season when he was second in MVP to Tom Brady. Nobody could have imagined the season already ended. It’s not only unacceptable, it’s disappointing. Anybody who doesn’t feel the disappointment and anger is just not getting what we are all about.”
Lurie termed the final four games "fool's gold."
"There are a lot of things to be liked about the last month. But the reality is we were not playing some of the best teams in the league. We proved we can dominate the lat four games of the season against teams that were not that competitive … to hold on to that as the reason to be completely optimistic is fool's gold. You have to take that in real steps and what was taking place ...
That played a role in taking a real hard look at the season. I do it every year, but this was the most complicated of any season in memory. The differential between expectations and result was dramatic."
Comments (253)
Everybody just calm down,it could be worse remember Norman Braman?— Eaglejay- Lurie must go.— 1439
- i am not quite sure why anyone needs season tickets any more. you can go to any game all year on a ticket resale on stubhub, or the nfl site. so you don't need season tickets to guarantee that you can see a game so why buy a bunch of dog games when you really only want to see a few?— Ouwachon
- Like Fred Sanford said these stupid Philly fans will keep going to games and pay for Laurie's bills. BIG DUMMIES!! Go Flyers!— chilenos
Comment removed.- Problem is Vick won't go through 2012 un-injured either. And, even when healthy, a gradually slowing Vick is no Tom Brady. Or Aaron Rodgers. Or Drew Brees. And Vick plays the most important position -- way -- on the field.— eman
- C'mon sheeple. We knew this would happen. I've known for weeks big red wasn't going anywhere. The stage is set for next year. Can't wait to see what happens...— Grazman
- C'mon sheeple. We knew this would happen. I've known for weeks big red wasn't going anywhere. The stage is set for next year. Can't wait to see what happens...— Grazman
- All the players I'm sure pushed for his return. You have heard they all like playing for AR. Why? Because he is not strict and let's them party. Remember his sons. No one likes working with Belacheck because he is strict and rules with and iron fist. Yet, how many superbowls has he won.— pesticide
- Slapping my forehead...— Jen D
- This reminds me of the annual comedy we saw in the 60s when Jerry Wolman would refuse to fire Joe "Must Go" Kuharich in spite of fan frustration. Joe didn't go until Wolman was forced to sell the Eagles after the disastrous 1968 season.— rhawnhurster
- maybe long johns sliver should've waited until after this press conference before selling their restaurant chain due to poor sales.
- Good decisions made by Jeff: 1) Using mom's and his wife's money to buy the Eagles. 2) Hiring Andy Reid. That's the sum and substance of the guy's career. Does he really have enough guts to pull the trigger on Reid? He doesn't have the stones to risk hiring the next Todd Haley.— boomartin
- BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO— jakeAZ
- Reid is here as long as Lurie owns the team unless Andy eats himself to death. Go Niners, my new favorite team. Harbaugh vrs. Harbaugh in the Stupid Bowl. Packers and Patriots both lose in their Conference Finals.— garcia7
- To quote The Who "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..".How can Lurie use words like "disappointing," "unacceptable," "anger," "frustrating" and say there were "no excuses," but then turn around and say the coach of the team and the season I am describing is back again to coach his 14th year, even though the team still hasn't won the Super Bowl.When some say Reid has a lifetime contract, I'm starting to believe it.
— watsonmr - Reid has won as many championships as Ruben Amaro --the real bozo in this city who not ony cant win with a bigger budget than anyone else in the league and what was the deepest farm system when he took over, but he has squandered the Phils future in the process -save some of your hate for the clueless rube..while the Eagles at least try to get some quality players, the dumb rube blows his whole budget on a couple of starters then adds garbage like Schneider, Nix, and Willis— warbiscuit
- You people will find all the reasons possible to bash Andy Reid. But really all you really have is just one valid reason = no superbowl win. Other than that, all your Andy Reid bashing stand no ground. You want to fire Andy Reid? I would bet any amount with you that the next coach of the Eagles will not surpass AR.— penncrow19
- I agree with much of the negative commetary in these posts. But let's get realistic about the only criteria for anything is winning a Super Bowl. Every year 31 out of 32 coaches fail to do that. If your team had average accomplishment you would appear in a Super Bowl once every 16 years and win one every 32 years. Reid has been in his job 13 years and has one Super Bowl appearance. He has a .609 winning percentage. A LOT of coaches have done a LOT worse.— LarryB2
- I guess now we are the Fool's Gold Standard.— Javatime8
- Lots of great comments from other readers, but one point I haven't heard speaks (in my mind) to the desperate levels Andy has sunk to save his own hide.
He starts an injury prone franchise QB in two meaningless games to end the season? That's incredibly irresponsible with the teams future - its not like giving a rookie or young backup in-season reps. You have a 31 year old QB that's already been injured a couple times this year, and you play him most of the snaps of both games?!
Seems like a desperate, ugly move on Reids part. I don't buy for a second the whole "carry into the next season" nonsense.— chrisWC - LURIE IS WHY EAGLES FANS BECOME COWBOYS FANS. ENJOY WATCHING THE PLAYOFFS ON T.V.— 658012
- I can put up with Andy for another year, but we need a DC and someone that is knowledgeable with making smart draft picks.— Javatime8
Right decision.- Fat Boy Andy is back...........Can I say another losing season for the criers! Go NY GIANTS!— MRD
- Id like to believe what Lurie is selling ..however I cannot. Reid consistently had time mngmt. issues, comes up flat a good 3 x's a year w/ his game plans...has not drafted well for several years now....and Vick is vick...turnover machine, refuses to slide, will miss 2-4 games a year. Does anyone feel we could beat any of the top 4 teams/organizations out there...(Packers, Steelers, Saints or Patriots). If he honestly feels we can compete with those times of teams next year, then im fine with this choice....but for the life of me ....I cannot.— RealizticFan
- Lurie essentially said: "I'm not happy with 8-8, and I'm going to tell you for the sake of making the idiot fans believe that I'm with them, and there will be changes."
Translation: NOTHING WILL CHANGE, BECAUSE JOE, HOWIE AND ANDY HAVE YOU RIGHT WHERE I WANT YOU! YOU'LL KEEP PAYING UP THE A** TO WATCH THIS MISBEGOTTEN TEAM BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE! YOU ARE OBSESSED WITH FOOTBALL, AND I'LL JUST KEEP TAKING YOUR MONEY...HAR HAR HAR HAR..."
Something like that, I think.— MidStaterUXB - Comment removed.
- Hahaha Schitzelboy......sounds like FRONTRUNNING. I feel as much for the Steelers and Ravens as I do for a team from Timbuktu.— road515
- UNACCEPTABLE, DISAPPOINTING, ANGER, FRUSTRATION.
This team needs a "football" pilot! Howie Roseman is a bust!!
What his statements says to the fans is this;
1. Jeffrey Lurie is not going to eat 2 years of Andy' contract
2. As long as there are fans in the seats, he is making money. Hearing "fire Andy", does not affect his pocket.
3. The players like Andy; of course they want a job.
THEY NEED A TRUE FOOTBALL GUY, WHO CAN QUESTION ANDY REID, NOT THE PUPPY DOG GM!!!— stang66302 - boy that's a lot of potatoes!
- Very smart man. Very astute. If Philadelphia ever gets tired of Andy Reid and Michael Vick, we in Washington would be happy to trade Mike Shanahan and Rex Grossman for them. Just say the word!— sherberg
- OK with me, Shanahan has 2 or 3 Superbowl Wins to Reid's 0. Grossman has just as many as Vick. And Washington will likely have Peyton Manning next year. Just say the word! — Carlos2
- "Lurie said there is an opportunity for Reid to still be protective of his players, but perhaps be more forthcoming. He said Reid can probably learn from other coaches who have won, but are not as protective of their players." For God's sake, you expect us to believe that this guy is going to change now? After 13 years? Lurie, he has about as much chance of changing as you regaining any of your testosterone...if you had any to begin with.— Bob1
- At least now we know where the blame lies and we know how to get his attention. All my relatives (14) are cancelling their season tickets and all their friends are doing the same. Maybe when Reid holds his next press conference, the philly media will stay away so Reid can understand what we think of his meager coaching talents and his 13 years of running quarterbacks that choke year after year, after year.— mario1239
- Get ready to see a lot more folks wearing Steeler and Giant jerseys down at the Shore and out in the "burbs. The Eagles have already lost Northeast PA and the Harrisburg Area. People like a winner, a Super Bowl winner.— schnitzelboy
- They still have fans in the seats. Jeffery Lurie and Joe Banner are business men first, they are not going to just let Andy walk, their on the hook for another 2 years.
They need to start at the GM level and let the new GM bring in someone he can work with.
— stang66302 - "I am at practice most days, this was, contrary to the 8-8 record, this was one of the best groups in terms of motivation, focus, attention to detail". This guy is either a lying creep or a clueless dimwit. With this kind of a statement there is no in-between description.— Bob1
- re. 'Lurie wants Andy back'
He's the owner, so he calls the shots.
However. Lurie and the Philly Eagles fans will probably get in 2012 what they've gotten in the last 13 years, a medeocre team.— AmRifleman - Reid is the best option at this time. Next year's schedule will be no picnic though. Much tougher than this year. Anxious to see Harrison and Polamalu try to catch Vick. Also, would like to see someone plant Brees. His ego is too much for me to take.— oakmontleo
- Lurie talks as if "Protecting" players is some noble endeavor. Hey Lurie, think about why Reid does it...he does it to keep the players on his side to prevent you from firing him for his poor performance. Lurie you are an idiot and you are being conned.— Carlos2
- The Eagles from Lurie on down think the fans are idiots. Evan Mathias even tweeted that the fans are idiots. According to Lurie, the playoffs are the new MIN goal not winning it all. Already setting it up to keep Reid after next year's one and out. The fans need to revolt.— Lets Eat
- I guess I'm the only one in 199 commenters that is encouraged that Lurie said the right things and seems to see things from the right perspective. The bottom line is that the team has talent, and Andy coaching next year gives us the best chance of winning it all next year. Go outside of Philly, and national commentators realize this. If Lurie would have said he was encouraged by the last 4 games, fans would have complained about his delusion. He correctly states that the last 4 games are fool's gold because of who we played, and fans still criticize the man.— SMitchell
- Jeffrey, you are who we thought you were.— Mr. Magee
- I'd like to hear Lurie's explanation for all the dumb mistakes, the mismanaged timeouts, the horrible draft choices, the ratio of running plays to passing plays when we have one of the top running backs in the NFL. All these decisions go directly back to management and coaching. Lurie is too weak to fire Reid. Enjoy another year of futility Eagles fans.— fanup
- Reid doesn't have the X factor to win the Superbowl. He is still trying to figure things out. (ahhh.. make sure you can run the ball, esp on the goalline) My favorite play was against SF with the chuck and duck 4th and 1. He should be fired just for that play. I will find another team to cheer for... I'll be back when Andy is gone.— smk
- Don't but Eagles Hats, Shirts, Jerseys, Mugs etc. Buy Flyers and Phillies merchandise! If a Sports Owner like Lurie, spits in your face, learn how to spit back!— younged
- @ — trinieagle
Ladies and gentlemen... the Philadelphia public school system. Be proud young man, be proud.— phillyjeffsr - Lurie, sell the team to TYRONE he is smarter than you. Take the team to LA, leave our colors and history. Just go will you.— 4in5out7gone
- Andy has one more year. One.— hawk18
- As terrible as this news is, one of the commenters quoted the great Ron Bennington. My day has been made. "tough league to get a hit in..."— phillyjeffsr
- Lurie said your season ticket payments are due soon...pay up dummies and help this billionaire Lurie and his $100 million QB Vick get richer....LOL.— frank105
- Where are these Fake A^$ wanna b Eagle fans coming from... Normally we have the Vick haters,Andy, Juan, Joe, Jeffery haters. Daag some of these uninformed haters continue to try and represent my Eagles as cheap haaahahahaha PLEASE...What other N.F.L TEAM has spent money like the Eagles... Y'all just need to STOP with the LIES EITHER GET INFORMED or go root for the Saints or Packers or some other FRONT RUNNING Teams... The Eagles was one of the top Running team in the league this year.GUESS WE WILL NEVER WIN THE Superbowl since Andy does not run the ball hahahahhahaa NEVER, NEVER. All you self purported football expert....aahhh MAYBE.... not hahaahhahaa. Still hating Reid because he does things Reid's way...hahahahahaha STOP... The BEST Eagle COACH EVER is Andy Reid and he will take us to the Superbowl... Hell NO to Spags...I love Spags as an EX Eagle coach but Juan has earned the D.C spot...It would be ludicrous to install another New Defensive Scheme or D C three years in a row... I hope Andy stands by his choice Juan as DC...It was funny to hear a member of the media called Reid arrogant guess Andy doesn't kiss the Media's A$% HE WILL FOREVER BE THEIR ENEMY... Yea Boooyy my type of coach way to go Big Red... I wouldn't trust those media turncoats fishing for sound bytes to sensationalize, undermine, or discredit my team either. So now y'all haters KNOW ANDY IS HERE TO STAY...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I love it Laurie reflects his Coach's demeanor with his loyalty and faith in the winning est coach in Eagle history, Way to stand up for Big Red. Haters the Packers are selling shares to be a Packer fan it perfect over there SEE YA.Hahahahahhahahaha Go Eagles.— trinieagle
- Phil Checcia-Don't fret bout RG3, Egs and Lorie got big PR problem with all ya white haters. Only way to shut U up is to draft big white QB. PR move gettin you what U want.— Tyrone7
- groundhog day— rysagr
- Jeff Lurie, now we know where your loyalty is,,,,The dollar. Reid, and Banner. You should know that these fans know more about football than your football coach, specially more than your stupid GM, what a clown, but this is a loosing organization, I am so pissed I dont know where to start, Fire the GM, the bean counter and that stupid DC, Im dont with the eagles, I will NOT re-up my tickets for next year or the next or the next,,, I am officially going to dump these bunch of loosers,, I will watch, but they wont get a penny from me,,— RAM1162
- Jeff Lurie, now we know where your loyalty is,,,,The dollar. Reid, and Banner. You should know that these fans know more about football than your football coach, specially more than your stupid GM, what a clown, but this is a loosing organization, I am so pissed I dont know where to start, Fire the GM, the bean counter and that stupid DC, Im dont with the eagles, I will NOT re-up my tickets for next year or the next or the next,,, I am officially going to dump these bunch of loosers,, I will watch, but they wont get a penny from me,,— RAM1162
- Jeff Lurie, now we know where your loyalty is,,,,The dollar. Reid, and Banner. You should know that these fans know more about football than your football coach, specially more than your stupid GM, what a clown, but this is a loosing organization, I am so pissed I dont know where to start, Fire the GM, the bean counter and that stupid DC, Im dont with the eagles, I will NOT re-up my tickets for next year or the next or the next,,, I am officially going to dump these bunch of loosers,, I will watch, but they wont get a penny from me,,— RAM1162
- did jeff really say "unacceptable"? well it obviously is acceptable because he isn't doing anything. jeez— rysagr
- Andy still has those pictures of Jeff.— rugbyjt
- I am full of confidence knowing that Howie Roseman is still making decisions...beyond ridiculous.— kelprod2
- I wanted to see the high-five forehead slap that Lurie is famous for. Youtube it.— kjuggs77
- BOOOOOOO! Same as it ever was.— Tyrone Biggums
Lurie has made it clear, its not about super bowl wins. Its about coaching intangibles, whether the players like you, and your PAST record of getting in the playoffs (Getting in, not winning). The gold standard just got redefined.
— Kioto- Next year, 10-6, a playoff win, elimination yet again, and another array of time-worn, lame excuses and platitudes, slathered on with a thick layer of arrogance. Some fun, eh? What did we ever do to be condemned to a generation of same-old, same-old by the Football Gods?— Paul G
- Lurie is all talk..."all in", "gold standard" "no excuses" "fool's gold"..BUT.....haven't won a playoff game since 2008 and Reid, Banner, and Roseman are all back and Reid has full control of the coaching staff. WTF— CA through and through
- As long as 65,000 fans fill up the seats, Lurie doesn't really care. If he cared he would have fired Reid for such a terrible failure this year. The object of any sport is to win a championship. Andy has failed 13 straight years!!! Jeff are you listening! 52 years and it will be 53 next year under Reid! Lurie, you have made enough money. Please find a coach that can win the big one for the 65,000 fans that support the team!— Pap
- Lurie needs to pull an Andy and turn around in 2 or 3 days and change his mind. It is his team you know and that is his prerogative. Hope he exercises it. The Fat Man deserves to be FIRED!— oneway
- The fire in the belly that Lurie spoke of MUST come from the Owner!!
I didn't see fire or competitiveness from him. Imagine Jerry Jones in this situation? I'm no Cowboys fan, but no matter what you think about JJ, everyone in his organization understands that the bottom line is winning. I think I want to see that coming from the Eagles organization. I'm sure Andy Reid is a good person but sometimes a firing is the best thing for all parties involved. Another team will probably pick him up, he may learn from his mistakes and improve. Isn't that the standard for players? Shouldn't coaches be held to a similar standard?
Why should anyone expect a different result for this team next season when AR just got a free pass?
— keithf35 - Love it! Sorry Philly columnists, you lose.— pennswoods
- What does a coach need to do to get fired in Lurie's eyes! What type of pictures does Reid have on Lurie!— jtcigar
- Tyrone7-You were Mike Vick's cellmate in the slammer. You have no creditability. Charmaine is the only other person that agrees with you. Get lost.— 4in5out7gone
- Wrong again (as usual) Jeffrie Lurie agrees with me as well, seems like its you and a few others that he doesn't agree with. How many different names do you use, GOOD GRIEF, all those different names certainly exposes your credibility. By the way who who was your cellmate, is that your problem after getting out of the "slammer" you couldn't find employment, and Vick did. GET LOST, loser no one cares about your whining. — charmaine
Think about it... Your team isn't 2-14 or 4-12 not even 7-9 your team is 8-8. You had a shortened off season due to the labor dispute, you made changes in players as well as coaches. The head coach you have has a winning record and his contract along with your current starting QB has a 2 year shelf life with 1 year down. Why not roll with it and if you don't get to where you want to go next season blow the whole thing up. Laurie is making a good solid move. Leave your emotions at the door. Guess what, 31 teams will be disappointed this season. This team had to come together, was it a disappointing season, of course it was. There is plenty of upside keeping the team and coaches in tact because if you make changes it could take another year or maybe two for the new regime's scheme to kick in and you all will be crying about that.- If Reid is going to continue to coach he really needs to get in good physical shape. At his age, he's playing Russian Roulette dragging that excess weight around. Not to mention that it has to affect his ability to think clearly while the clock is moving on game day. Hypoglycemia?— Boru
- Sell the team to PAT CROCE.— citysims
- Imperative that they hire Spagnuolo ASAP. At least get a qualified DC on board now to help evaluate defensive talent on the team, identify who stays and who goes, but more importantly, identify those players in the draft who the Eagles need to get. Kuechely needs to be on this team and starting at MLB next year. No excuse not to get the guy.— beegal99
- He has all the ingredients...well, except for clock management, play-calling, handling of the media.....good luck, guys, bet the writers were the most disappointed of anyone. Whoever keeps posting as Joe Banner is right...we're printing money down here and that's all that matters, all is well.— PhillySubsMac
- Let our march to mediocrity continue. A 1-5 record against teams with a winning record this year tells us all we need to know.Next years schedule is even more difficult and somehow the team will squeak into the playoffs,win one or two games and we'll hear the same nonsense from Lurie all over again.I'm really trying to be positive...aha aha aha.. times yours.— 1upsman
- Comment removed.
- So it's completely unacceptable to finish 8-8, out of the playoffs, and still bring back all the culprits responsible? Yup, Banner hit the nail on the head with his quote about insanity. The owner is insane.— beegal99
- what a joke. i can't believe it but i'm finished pulling for this team.— cjtropea
- Glad i started following Flyers hockey again, farwell Mr. Lurie...you delusional millionaire...i'll gladly spend my money on a Flyers jersey— crenshaw2436
So, what are Lurie's plans if we go 8-8 or worse next year?— lgroniko- "There is no doubt in my mind that if our focus is on winning a championship next year, the best coach is Andy.”
He's kidding, right?
— mrjarn - No accountability whatsoever. Everything went wrong, but everybody did a great job. You can see where the Eagles' failings come from- the top. The "we are better than everyone else, even though we never won anything" attitude is all Lurie and you see it in Reid and in the players too.— jtj06
- Until the fans stop selling out the linc or the eagles go 1-15 nothing will change. Lurie is a business man first, to make money, and the eagles are making him a fortune! Stop buying tickets and things will change real fast!— pieman
- THE FIRST GAME OF THE 2012 home Eagles season the fans should wear Phillies Hats and shirts.— tulsaphil
- Tyrone... How many super bowls did those three brothers win? Go and be the first in line to buy your green dreadlocks to support RG3.— Phil Checchia
- If it's "completely unacceptable to be 8-8" then why are you bringing Andy back? It's counter-logical to utter that statement after saying that you can't wait to see Andy coach the team again. Is Lurie really THAT afraid to have a different head coach? This is pitiful.— PhillyGuyinTN
- It's pretty funny how they're all spinning it like it was almost a rebuilding year. There was the lockout, and the short camp, and the new schemes..... You know, all the stuff that teams like -- oh, I don't know.... the 49ers?? -- apparently didn't face. They make me sick. There's an expression in German: "I could never eat as much as I'd like to puke right now." Fitting.....
— willm33 - 13 years, 9 playoffs. .700 plus winning per centage. Reid deserves one underachieving team. Now about his drafting.— tr88
- Now that Lurie has made his announcement, Andy can get busy calling next year's time-outs.
— P-Frank - Hah. Lurie the carpetbagger just peed on the heads of all Eagle fans, and said, dont worry, I have an umbrella. And, all you idiot ticketholders will complain, but you will buy your tickets for next year and you will wear the green dreadlocks after the eagles draft RG3. You are getting what you deserve. Wet.— Phil Checchia
- In other news, the Flyers are having a goalie controversy and Philadelphia has a democratic mayor.— LionelGrams
- Laurie has an Epic Soap Opera in the Eagles and as long as he has fans dumb enough to pay he is happy with 8-8. He accepts Reid's decision on signing Vick after a 6 game season, Appointing Castillo to Defensive Coord, Steve Smith, Ronnie Brown and now signing the prima Donna Jackson who when HAPPY can catch balls and score. Reid doesn't change his coaches from outside the organization. Why?????— tulsaphil
- Let's stop the speculation...Lifetime Contract!!— mark1161
- You bet, mark1161. And don't think tongue-in-cheek. It may happen. It's all about a - - '- in the seats, and they were still full this year, they will be full next year, and ad finitum. . . . As long as Lurie is full of green, Andy will have a job. — lgroniko
- “I want to see our team coached by Andy Reid and I can’t wait to see that team play,”..uhhh, Jeff, we just had that...after all your spending (to your credit, by the way) the team struggled to attain mediocrity with an 8-8 record. AR can produce teams that have winning records but he cannot coach a team to a Super Bowl win. Sad but true.— JJSoteria
- The Eagles never fire anyone. Their usual method of operation is to wait until the contract comes due and then either overpay them if they feel the person has Billboard appeal, or insult them with a very low contract offer if they want the person to go away. If reid n the next 2 years manages to get to and maybe win a Super Bowl, they will overpay him like they do with everyone they see as a name brand star. If he doesn't get there, they will make him an insulting low ball offer on his contract renewal, then let him walk away (or keep him if he's willing to work cheap).— atp2007
- LOL! Hopefully all the Eagles fans now CLEARLY see that there is no interest in this franchise to win a Super Bowl...— bvl390
- I love how Lurie acts as if this season (and past) is just a random event, like getting hit by a tornado. We didn't just get unlucky Jeff, Andy has repeatedly show his incompetency in terms of managing a game and coaching a team to a championship. Why waste any more time proving the obvious?— KingOfPhilly
- I love how Lurie acts as if this season (and past) is just a random event, like getting hit by a tornado. We didn't just get unlucky Jeff, Andy has repeatedly show his incompetency in terms of managing a game and coaching a team to a championship. Why waste any more time proving the obvious?— KingOfPhilly
- What is "acceptable" is that the Beagles are a money printing machine. He couldn't care less about winning a Super Bowl. It doesn't matter who is coaching because all that Lurie cares about is that his pockets are lined with "Gold Standard". So, why change the formula when it keeps producing the gold. Win or lose, the Beagle fan idiots will continue to fill the seats and buy merchandise.— lonestar2000
- Lurie OK by me, he say he the one that gave Mike Vick the chance. He give do justice to all black people. He appreciate the great talent of black QBs like Randall, Don, and Mike.— Tyrone7
- For all you frustrated fans who wanted Reid fired, just who do you think that is out their that is any better? Fisher? give me a break...I can understand the mundane press conferences, the same "I need to put players in a better position", and some of you might even think a new voice is needed, but really, who out there could do a better job. Both Gruden and ex Pittsburgh Steelers coach (mind just went blank) said they don't want to coach, so.....— phigglesfan75
- Hiring dinosaur coaches is not an effective stategy. — keithf35
- You are an idiot. After 13 years of failure, you are saying "give me some more of that, please". Let's see, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay, etc...won Superbowls with former Coordinators. The goal is to find a Coach that has the correct system/philosophy that wins, and that's NOT Andy Reid you dope. — WeArePennState
- Its clear what Mr. Lurie is saying....
1. The SB is the goal.
2. If the team makes the playoffs, its acceptable,
3. He was angry and frustrated at the performance of the team this year more than most.
4. The team has been trending downward since 2005.
5. No Head Coach change, and wont discuss organization changes i.e, front office.
So Now What? GO PHILLIES!!!
We need a new owner!
— keithf35 - laphroaig, stop cutting and pasting the same old comment; it wasn't insightful nor funny the first time!— JBinPA
- I knew Lurie would mention the last 4 games. We beat Matt Moore, Mark Sanchez, Stephen McGee, and Rex Grossman. Say we made the playoffs, we go into New Orleans and lose 45-13.— larry and stan
Why is everyone acting so surprised or against Laurie's decision? Everyone knew this was coming. If you ask me, he gave me exactly what I was expecting, and looking for. He has pretty much said, in other words, this is Andy's last chance. And I believe that comes with Andy making the necessary position coaching changes. If the Eagles bomb again next year, Andy will be gone. Book it.— thegamepa- Lurie and Banner are picking your pockets.....master of the financial game, dopey fans will pack the stadium regardless who is the coach.
52 years without a Championship....keep taking money off your table and putting it on Lauries, while he vacations in the Hamptons on your cash.
Dopey Fans.....paying for a loser ISN"T loyalty it is just plain DUMB!
What to see change, change they way you see the team, watch on TV, listen on radio, tailgate at home....don't give this organization a dime......close your wallets and open you minds to another losing season, at least it won't cost you.— STEPHEN1988 - Sweet! Another year of not caring about the Eagles.— BigBrain61
- This is our version of to BIG to fail! The total control Andy has is amazing and really the best way to run things. This town like to rip leadership apart and create adversaries. We are better off seeing this run again next year. The rope will be even tighter and no improvement will be the measure. We have a tight group here and lets see how much better we get. Thanks— peteswho
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- The Eagles are a business. While I am sure he would like to win, making money and increasing the value of the team are far more important, and from that perspective Andy Reid is a great coach. Sure he will never win a Super Bowl, but he wins enough games every year to keep the ratings high and the seats sold out. If you want to get rid of Andy Reid, stop going to the games and watching them on TV. A mass cancellation of season tickets would get Lurie's attention. Of course, we all know that will never happen.— Allakhazam
- No doubt this "Performance" was orchestrated for public opinion. Yes, Lurie is just a frustrated fan like you and me. Believe that one suckers! Yes Lurie has now accepted the bulls eye target.— Lets Eat
- If Lurie really did do what he said he did....examined every aspect, why did he come to a decision this quickly? His mind was already made up. He was not going to part with the $$$ to buy out Andy's contract. He cheaper than an old widow. All he care about is collecting all the fans money and serving up a inferior product with no intent on diong"whatever it takes" to win a SB. If he did, he would have cleaned house! Root for the Ravens....— sportsfan29
- I hope the Eagles hurry up and put a good team together. I'm running out of years— Chief_Negotiator
- ZERO expectations next year, other than that it will be ugly if they keep this crew.— larry and stan
- This team would be awesome with the right coaching staff. Oh well. Unfortunately they won some meaningless games against mediocre teams down the stretch and we're hosed for another year. Lurie isn't getting my money next year.— burholme
- ....and not one of you will not go to a game next year based on bringing Andy back. Just sit down, shut up, and take your extremely horrible medicine that the Eagles' brass give us every year. lets see, they get the following next year since they finished 2nd in the division:
Next year they get the AFC North: HOME: Baltimore Ravens (Flacco and Rice), Cincinnati Bengals; AWAY: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers (Big Ben).
They also get the NFC South: HOME: Atlanta Falcons (Ryan), Carolina Panthers (Newton); AWAY: New Orleans (BREES), Tampa Bay
2nd also get them the Lions at home (Stafford) and Arizona away.
Add in the other 6 gammes in the NFC East.
So we go against 8 games against over .500 teams (and possibly the toughest AFC Division), 3 games with .500 records, and 5 against below .500 teams.
What makes you think that this defense will survive against their 8 over.500 teams? This was not the Dolphins, Sanchez, Deadskins, and the Cowboys. Good luck Andy and Co. You will need it.
Can I ask for some sugar with my meds. Can you PLEASE get a defensive minded personnel guy to evaluate the talent!? I would love to see a new D COACH, but if you have to play the "look at how good our D was in the last 4 games" card.... please bring in a skilled assistant D coordinator! I get it, Castillo is a "nice guy" but you know what they say happens to the nice guys.— SlinkTMP - The only way anything will ever change with this team is to hit them in the pocket. If you're not happy, and I can't understand how anyone can be, STOP buying tickets to the game, stop buying Eagles merchandise, stop lining Lurie's pockets. He is so out of touch with the city and fan base, it's tragic.....but as long as the money keeps rolling in, sub-par team or not, nothing will ever change. All Lurie cares about is money. I stopped going to games and buying merchandise 2 years ago, although I realize it takes alot more than just me to make a difference. I have an Eagles basement, and I am far from a front runner, but I am more than content to have it look like an Eagles museum until they get rid of Andy and put something on the field that's worth rooting for and sinking my hard-earned money into.. Anyone that thinks that after all these years AR has a snowballs chance in he** of getting to another SB, let alone winning one has had a serious break with reality, but as long as the rich get richer, we'll all be in retirement homes before any much needed changes are needed.— kat20
- Hit them where it hurts. Stop buying tickets, gear and other Eagles merchandise. That's the only way they'll understand our message.— Kevie Kev
- Lurie, Unacceptable, disappointing, angry, frustrating, then goes on to not only retain Reid but praise him outlandishly. The real problem has just been exposed!— Lets Eat
- "I want Andy back" = I couldn't care less if we win a super bowl or not. hahahah; what a loser organization!!!!— dundermifflin
- He seemed like he looked for reasons for let the guy go. but came up with nothing. the coaching candidates are not great this year. the big names are still holding back and there are no up and comers worth the risk. at the end of the day, he does need this year as a mulligan. with the lockout shortening things it had to impact it. onlhy teams with consistency are in the playoffs. no newcomers-even cincy only changed a qb...d was solid already.— bigdnphilly
- Lurie said everything that made you think that he was going to pull the plug on Andy & then says I want Andy back! What a joke! Jeffery, you want to talk about unexceptable! So now I guess Juan will be the fall guy? Or at 8-8 do we make no changes? & our 100 mil QB doesn't think that his 18 turnovers had anything to do with the losing? Come on man! And Vick says "it is what it is" - I can hardly hear Rodgers, Brees, Brady or a Manning saying that after being eliminated from playoffs or being 8-8!!!— ChangeISNeeded
- Common guys... stop all these ngegative thoughts. I am realistic and hopeful that 2012 will be a better year. EAGLES have shown that they could win a SB. Do you think that bringing a new coach will get them to SB.? My hope is for QB- Vick to tell Andy & marty to run the ball more not throw .. throw & throw. Also, EAGLES should prepare change by bringing in another RB as good as Shady!! RUN.. EAGLES .. RUN !!!
If you keep throwing, Vick will not complete 16 games, eh!! Andy...— catch22run - Andy And Jeff must be having a sexual relationship— gregneff62
- Duh....More of the same......"INSANTITY", Right JoeB......Laurie is a fraud.....He could care less about "winning it all"...as long as the dollars keep coming in....he cares little about the record....13 years of failure to win the only thing that counts.....and No criticsm of JoeB the defacto GM, and No criticism of the mailboy Howie for his last two year drafts.....so we only get more of the same.....Unless they get linebackers, safties and o-lineman, nothing will have changed....and we know Andy thinks he can coach up 4th rounders to be pro-bowlers.....Yeah right....Laurie is simply happy with the cash flow from us, the appreciation of all NFL franchises and the fact that Arrogant Andy takes all the flack and he can sit back and eat brie......Oh, if only he could man up and do the right thing.....it is so obivious he has no competative bones in his body....if only Christine was in charge....— nuggett
- the evidence does not bare that out....13 years 0 championships.....why expect he would go someplace else and do it.... — keithf35
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- Well folks.....oepn yu wallets and pay the price for Eagles glory, err I mean Lauire.....
Dopey fans will pack the stadium, buy the gear and wait another year for a team that will not win the big one.
Laurie and Banner just gave it to ya, without the vasoline.....— STEPHEN1988 - Idiots! The same arrogance as the Fat Man. This city dislikes Lurie about as much as The Fat Man. They are all living on past BS and forget Modrak, Heckert, JJ, Rivera, Childress, Harbaugh, Dawkins, McNabb, Trotter. They are here anymore but Reid is. Hmmm. Guess what's wrong? Live on Jeff, you're having a pipe (wet) dream.— alwaysphil1
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- ceocreates.....I have acheived a healthy weight, something Andy Reid has never experienced. I have accomplished the task of seeing what is dreadfully boring and futile, and voiced my opinion about it. Where this subject is concerened, I am undoubtedly a superior human to you.— jabs69
- Please pul Andy's record since the superbowl, far less impressive. The Castillo debacle is all on Andy, therefore the season is like our defensive draft picks...wasted— yourdaddy!
- Anybody who spends one cent on this team gets exactly what they deserve. Boycott their merchandise.— KG
- Andy remains in complete control after hiring Juan to head the defense...WE ARE F#$%ING DOOMED!!!!
— Chemist1524 - PORTRAIT OF DELUSIONS: THE JEFF LURIE STORY
Bottom line: Lurie is in his ideal comfort level in life right now thanks to all of the fans who fill his stadium on Sundays. The only thing that could possibly snap him out of his reverie and daydreams are for the majority of those ticket buying fans to decline their season tickets come renewal time. Talk about insanity of doing the same thing over and over, this was a press conference designed to appease his head coach, who, by the way, could care less what anyone thinks of him. Keep paying the pusher, ticket buyers......the owner stated in his roundabout ways who he is aligned with......AND IT AIN'T WITH YOU!— DelawareRiverRat - Until the season ticket holders stop paying to see this MEDIOCRITY NOTHING CHANGES HELLO!!!!!!!!— KOOLK777
- THEY WONT WIN WITH VICK. I DON'T CARE WHO COACHES— MIKEI
- Whatever!!!!— likhon
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- Let's wait and see. Either Jeff is right or we get a new coach in 2013.— oldBird
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- I'M DONE. WHO WANTS MY SEASON TICKETS?— iceman
- I am totally convinced that a lot of these writers/reporters post on these blogs and articles they have written themselves.For all of you that are mad that Reid is back...............GOOD, stay mad go root for the Giants, LOL LOL LOL LOL......GO REID, GO EAGLES, AND YES GO MICHAEL VICK. Move on haters your word means nothing, Jeffrey Lurie knows you ain't buying no tickets anyway LOL LOL (HTML deleted)— charmaine
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- I am totally convinced that a lot of these writers/reporters post on these blogs and articles they have written themselves.
For all of you that are mad that Reid is back...............GOOD, stay mad go root for the Giants, LOL LOL LOL LOL......GO REID, GO EAGLES, AND YES GO MICHAEL VICK. Move on haters your word means nothing, Jeffrey Lurie knows you ain't buying no tickets anyway LOL LOL— charmaine - For Guys like Jerry Jones and Lurie it's now about the $$$$$, not Championships. Time for the fans to stop shelling out $300 for a $20 made in some third world country Eagle's Jersey and other overpriced merchandise, stop buying tickets...— ghost78
- "Content to compete!" Keep drinking that green kool-aid, glad I never had season tickets.— gordon7
- Not losing any sleep over it. Wanted a change but it's Jeff's team. People can root for them or not as they please. Wanted to hear about Howie's fate more than Reid's.— tpizza
- What if we lost the last 4 games and went 4-12 ??? Would Lurie be welcoming Andy back with open arms??? I hope for our sake Lurie has the coconuts to tell Andy Super Bowl or bye-bye...— softballdude
- Fat Andy must have something on Lurie/Banner that they don't want going public. That's the only reason I can see why he's still here!— MikeOct20
- Fat Andy must have something on Lurie/Banner that they don't want going public. That's the only reason I can see why he's still here!— MikeOct20
- Sex tape starring the two of them, with a cameo from Reno Maje — gregneff62
- Sex tape starring the two of them, with a cameo from Reno Maje — gregneff62
- Lurie's comments were put together by some paid public relations team. He sounded much like a trained politician selling the bad news to the public. If he is unable to pull the trigger after his most disappointing season ever than he will never pull it. Yes the team may very well improve on 8-8, and that will be enough for Lurie to keep Reid even longer. Lurie also so proudly proclaimed he was the only owner willing to sign Vick. Its obvious now, the target has to be Lurie!— Carlos2
- sounds to me like next season is it!— Sportsterroy
- Guess Jeff cares little how Andy handles the press- GOOD FOR JEFF!
The media in this town thinks they deserve preferential treatment from coaches. Sorry, but most members of the media in Philly were never good enough to play, so now they criticize to make up for their shortcomings. Someone should do a research study on that.— eyesell - dudega.....Haven't seen someone so excited about mediocrity since my niece got those Beiber tickets for her birthday.— jabs69
- Pass first, run second, win some other century. HIS PLAN DOES NOT WORK, PLAIN AND SIMPLE!!! One word: MCCOY!!!!! USE HIM....BEFORE THE PASS. J*SUS CHR*SST!!!!!!!!!!— girouxforpresident
- Probably the best decision under the circumstances, despite all the criticism. Eagles have enough talent to win it all and a coaching change would not help. Should Juan Castillo come back? I am sure that those close to the team know whether the improvement at the end of the season was real (and not just weak opposition) and if so, whether JC had the most to do with it.— RichB
- told u guys reids not going anywhere and neither is castillo if its up to andy. lets see what happens next season before we judge though. i cant tell the future and neither can any of u— bigjay215
- GREAT MOVE Mr. Lurie. I TOTALLY endorse it. Right thing to do. Now lets just tweak the coaching staff. The Eagles WILL win the Super Bowl in 2013.— dudega
- Real men wear Kelly Green. This guy is a carpetbagger from Boston.— kdentino
- Agree, however when this owner sees the trend in british racing green jerseys trending downward, he'll bring back the old Kelly Green to boost the ledger.......if wifey will let him, that is..... — DelawareRiverRat
- Disappointing. Looks like Juan will be back leading the defense. I think I am now a Baltimore Ravens Fan-— jayram
- Sell the team A-hole.
Sick sick incestual operation at work.
40 Days to Pitchers + Catchers.
— joe smith