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Andy Reid’s Job Is On The Line This Year, But Is It Really?
By Ryan Gillon
Published:
Andy Reid is signed on to be the Eagles coach through 2013, but if there is anything that came out of Jeff Lurie's State of the Team Address today, it's that Andy Reid isn't a lock to be the Head Coach of the Eagles in 2013.
Simply, Lurie implied that it all depends on how his 2012 shakes out.
When asked by reporters about Andy Reid's status, Lurie made it clear that nothing is guaranteed after this upcoming season, even in light of the tragic events in Reid's personal life.
"This is a business, and you're there to win and win big… so all the emphasis will be on Andy Reid the coach," Lurie said.
Everyone knew the question was coming, and Lurie needed a stern response in light of the comments Reid's agent Bob LaMonte made three weeks ago.
Via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Lurie "has stated again and again, any time that I’ve been with him, that was as long as he’s the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles Andy Reid would be his coach," LaMonte said. "And I’d say the proof of the pie is in the pudding. He’s been here 14 years.”
“This man has earned the right to decide what he wants to do, and he may well decide he doesn’t want to coach and Jeffrey may decide he doesn’t want to hire him, but I can just tell you Jeffrey Lurie has told me on any occasion I’ve ever been with him, as long as he’s the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Andy will be his coach," LaMonte said once again. "Now, if you know something else, tell me, because I should probably know."
Agents…
Lurie continued by saying that last year's 8-8 record was unacceptable and if the same result happened this season, Reid would be dismissed. Reporters continued to prod and Lurie admitted that there are always exceptions, but "you just have to make the best decisions you can after the season," but that "it'll be very clear."
Whether you believe Lurie or not is up to you. I think he's partially full of shit because I'm a firm believer that if Reid was going to get fired, it was going to be at the end of last season. Why? Because as Lurie said, there are always exceptions.
If Mike Vick goes down for a few weeks at any point in the season and Nick Foles is behind center? That's an exception. If there is any injury to a big name player at any point in the season, that's an exception. There are always exceptions.
Lurie had to say what he did, partially because of what Reid's agent foolishly said, but I do think he would have said something along those lines anyway. He had to follow up on his comments at the end of last season.
It comes down to this; Lurie will only fire Reid if he truly wants to, or if this season is a complete disaster. I don't think that Lurie wants to fire Andy Reid, and I don't think he will at the end of this season.
Hopefully, we won't have to find out.