Jeffrey Lurie Press Conference Recap, with Full Audio
Notes from the presser. Big takeaways? Lurie saying he gave Chip all the power so he could hold him fully accountable for his decisions. Howie Roseman will have a say in personnel, but there will not be a true GM (in title, at least). Said he did NOT give Chip option to remain as just head coach, contrary to Sal Pal’s report. Coaching search has already started.
- Lurie opts to stand at podium. Always a strong move. Seems poised. Nice suit. Calls it “clear decision.” Says he looks forward to Chip succeeding elsewhere, which he thinks he will. I’m sure.
- “I want to publicaly thank Chip. Nobody worked harder the last three years.” – Lurie
- Lurie calls it three-year evaluation, yet Chip was promoted last year. So, really, it’s a one-year evaluation. Which is fine.
- “As the owner of the team, I’ve got to look at the progress and the trajectory of where it’s headed.”
- Lurie says he did NOT offer stripping Chip of personnel decisions and keeping him head coach. SAL PAL WAS WRONG AGAIN.
- Lurie says Chip didn’t fight for his job, but likely knew he was done going into meeting, which included Don Smolenski.
- Lurie says decision came early to give them more time to make coaching decision, ditto for Chip. Notes it gave him more time to spend with players since they still have another game to go. Stressed aspect of speaking to them directly. He addressed them directly this morning.
- Lurie says speaking to players was one of just many factors in decision. “A plethora of variables.”
- Lurie keeps stressing lack of progress and trajectory. Says he did not feel Chip lost locker room. Yeah right.
- Howie Roseman will remain as Executive Vice President, Tom Donahue will run player personnel. Sounds like Howie will oversee player personnel department, but not run it. “All partners to collaborate.” Party in Howie’s pants right now.
- Lurie said Chip didn’t have history of bouncing back to 10+-win season after losing season, the way Andy did. Of course, he wasn’t given that chance.
- “DeMarco had zero to do with it, I talk to players on the airplane all the time.” Mentioned he talks to players all the time. Stressed it had nothing to do with firing.
- “I’d hate to ever be risk averse… it’s much better to go for it.” Explaining decision to hire Chip. There’s increased risk. “Sometimes it just doesn’t work out when you take risks.”
- Wow. Lurie says he wanted to make Chip fully accountable, so that’s why he gave him all the power. Said Chip insisted on having power, which runs contradictory to how Lurie explained it last year.
- Lurie there was no way to “maximize” Chip without giving him the “lever” to make all his own decisions. Interesting that he only gave him 15 games to see it through. Cites those results. He’s contradicting himself that this was a three-year evaluation.
- No GM title will be used.
- Lurie says new coach will need “emotional intelligence.” Ouch.
- Lurie says current coaches could be considered for job.
- Will look at all coaching candidates, from anywhere. No surprise.
- Doesn’t favor offensive or defensive coach, obvs.
- “This has been one of the most disappointing seasons I have ever endured.”
- Explains that winning the NFC East wouldn’t have exactly been anything to write home about.
- Walks out, approached by reporters, whisked away by PR.
Here’s the full audio:
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