Andy Reid to stay at Philadelphia for 14th season – NFL News
Head Coach Andy Reid is going to return next year to spend his 14th season at Philadelphia, the Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed on Tuesday.
However, the owner maintained that the current season was the most disappointing one for the franchise and said that the failure was unacceptable.
Addressing media at the NovaCare Complex auditorium, Lurie at first expressed sheer displeasure over the performance of his team, which, he said, had dashed his hopes. He also said that everyone should take the blame for the team’s slump.
"It’s not only unacceptable, it’s very, very disappointing and anyone who in my mind both doesn’t feel the disappointment and anger is just not getting what we’re all about,” he said.
After being hyped for reaching the Super Bowl before the start of the season, the Eagles finished without even reaching the playoffs. They got eight victories and defeats respectively and ended at second spot in the National Football Conference East division
ranking.
During the last offseason, the franchise had spent huge sums of money to acquire services of veteran players, hoping that the valuable addition would take the franchise to new heights. That, however, did not happen, and added only to the owner’s frustration.
"After all the moves we made in the offseason and with our roster, it's extremely disappointing and unacceptable to have the season over," Lurie said.
Despite bristling with rage, Lurie extended support to Head Coach, Andy Reid, and confirmed that he would return next year.
Reid is the longest-tenured head coach in the history of the National Football League.
He joined Eagles in 1999 and signed a recent contract extension in 2009. As per the contract, he will stay with the franchise till 2013.
In his 13-year career, Reid led the Eagles to nine playoff-appearances. They have played five NFC Championship games besides winning the NFC East title six times.
In 2005, Eagles also played the Super Bowl XXXIX, but lost after giving a tough time to New England Patriots.
While appreciating Reid, Lurie said that players love and give respect to the coach.
He cited Reid’s overall and short-term track record as a reason behind continuing with Reid and said that he still believes Reid is capable to winning the Super Bowl for Philadelphia.
“There's no doubt in my mind, if our focus is on trying to win a championship next year, the best coach for that is Andy," he said.
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