Despite the most disappointing season since owner Jeffrey Lurie has owned the team — his words, not mine — the team is not cutting ties with head coach Andy Reid. He’ll be back to coach the Eagles in 2012 after finishing with an 8-8 record in 2011 and missing the playoffs.
Lurie said he still believes Reid is the best man to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship.
“If I didn’t think next year would be substantially better I’d be standing up here announcing a coaching change,” Lurie said yesterday in a rare, end-of-season press conference.
Lurie admitted that he felt “angry and frustrated” by the 2011 season, one which began with a free-agent spending spree and the dreaded “Dream Team” moniker. He also called the way the season unfolded “completely unacceptable.
At the end of the day — and after an extremely lengthy evaluation process — Lurie came to the conclusion that Reid deserved at least another year. (Reid has two years left on his current contract). Lurie cited Reid’s proven track record, relationship with his players and high praise around the rest of the NFL as reasons for keeping him.
“Andy Reid to me not only has the love of the players and respect, he also has the fire in his belly to be the best,” Lurie said.
Of course, the goal remains to win the Super Bowl.
“Our goal every year is to win the Super Bowl … but there are no ultimatums,” Lurie said.
Lurie also gave a vote of confidence to team president Joe Banner and general manager Howie Roseman. They’ll both be back next season. As for embattled defensive coordinator Juan Castillo …
“It’s up to Andy,” Lurie said.
