Ron Rivera On Andy Reid
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Ron Rivera On Andy Reid
Paul Domowitch
In most professions, when you get fired, your boss immediately confiscates your company ID and has a security guard escort you out of the building.
Andy Reid didn’t do that when he fired Sean McDermott 19 months ago. He made the decision to let his 36-year-old defensive coordinator go the Wednesday after the Eagles’ 21-16 playoff loss to the Packers, but waited four days to announce it while he helped McDermott find another job.
Less than a week later, McDermott landed in Charlotte as the Carolina Panthers’ new defensive coordinator, working for former Reid assistant Ron Rivera
"Andy cares about the people who work for him and play for him," said Rivera, who spent five years on Reid’s staff before leaving to become the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2004.
"Whether he fires you or you move on on your own accord like I did, he keeps tabs on you. It’s great. You get the cards, you get the texts, you get the emails, you get the phone calls. He’s always very happy to see you at the (scouting) combine.
"Last year at the combine, he had a dinner with all of his former assistants who had become head coaches. It was a really neat deal."
Rivera said Reid called him and gave McDermott a glowing recommendation after he let him go. Urged him to hire him. Rivera didn’t need much urging. He had worked with McDermott and knew what he brought to the table.
"Sean’s a hard worker with a great outlook on things," Rivera, who knows what it’s like to get fired. Bears coach Lovie Smith let him go after the ’06 season. "He sees the big picture. He’s very, very thorough. Truthfully, he’s still learning and growing. His aggressive approach is really what we need and what we’re looking to get accomplished here.’’
Rivera on Reid lobbying for McDermott: "He was so positive about Sean when I talked to him after it went down. This past combine, we talked about Sean, and he just told me how happy he was that Sean was in a situation with somebody that knows him."
Rivera on Reid’s decision to return to the Eagles today, less than a day after burying his oldest son Garrett: "You know what, that’s who he is. He’ll go through (the grieving) and he’ll know that everybody who worked for him is behind him and supporting him if he ever needs anything.
"I saw the quote from Mr. Lurie about life throwing Andy a curve ball. Well, if there’s anybody out there who can hit that curve and knock it out of the park, it’s Andy Reid."
Despite all of the negative commentary I used to hear on WIP, I always thought Andy Reid was the coach the Eagles needed to keep them as contenders. Hopefully, this year, they will win it all. A class guy.— escaped to CA.- Agreed...And the negative commentary on WIP is coming primarily from one idiot and his lap dog (Angelo Cataldi and Rhea Hughes)!!! — ctycouncilfrauds
- Staying busy is the best thing to do during the grieving process. Being a head football coach, next to being president, is one of the busiest jobs one can have. However you handle it Andy, Eagle Nation has your back. Good luck with the season, hope to see you on Broad Street in February.— carmendmv
- As it goes, nice guys usually finish last. I'm hoping that cliche doesn't hold for Andy. I was a staunch defender of his up until last year's debacle, where the wheels fell off. I thought he picked a bad time to get away from his calculated, conservative ways (of running the team). With all that said, I was still rooting hard for him to win one. Even before this tragedy, he deserved to win one. Now, all bets are off. Here's to Andy achieving the prize he so deserves. He certainly is an inspiration to me. I am proud to support him and the classy organization he represents. Bring it home this year!— sore richard
- Tragedy brings perspective. If winning in the NFL and winning the SB was easy, everyone would do it. Enough hate in the world.— oldBird
- This says a lot about the type of Man Andy Reid has been. Personally, I don't know that Phila deserves such guy with the character this guy displays, associated with that city.
The image of the Mafia Don is best suited for Phila.— Dexter - Dexter, your just going by the perception perpetrated by the NY media, which is a national media. They can't say that NY fans are the worst fans since the NY national media members are NY fans. They pick on their most hated rival, Philly. They use their nationally televised programming to perpetuate the stereotype. They still have to go back to throwing snowballs at Santa in the 60's for ammo, as that's the best they can do. Dick Vermeil, from Napa Valley, liked Philadelphia area people so much he stayed in the area to continue to raise his family. Philadelphia is a Great Family Town with a blue collar population of Good People. The stereotype of Philadelphians is false, and you won't find better people ANYWHERE! Don't pay any attention to the few dozen negadelphians, WIPers, and (never been to Philadelphia) poser trolls, as their views are skewed by hatred and bigotry. E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!— Johnnydeagle
