Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeff Lurie: Dismissing Juan Castillo was head coach Andy Reid’s decision
Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeff Lurie has said that dismissing Juan Castillo from the post of defensive coordinator was the decision of head coach Andy Reid and that he had no involvement in it.
However, he mentioned that he had some reservations when Reid had appointed Castillo as the defensive coordinator.
Lurie made it clear that it is the coach’s responsibility to take care of his staff. According to Philadelphia Daily News, via ESPN, Lurie said:
“The way I operate, a coach is responsible for his staff. (He needs to) succeed or fail based on who he chooses and his own performance. I don't trigger that.”
Castillo was Eagles offensive line coach before Reid made him defensive coordinator. Since Castillo had never coached any defence before, the decision was somewhat surprising.
After the Eagles failed to live up to the expectations in the 2011 season, which they finished 8-8, there were questions on job security of Castillo. However, Reid decided to continue with the coach.
Eagles are struggling to perform well this season again, and inconsistency is hurting them badly. This prompted Reid to fire Castillo.
Admitting that he had some reservations over Castillo’s appointment as defensive coordinator, Lurie said:
"Yes I did. But I let Andy make that call. I respected his decision. He felt it was the best thing to do at the time, and I don't interfere in that area."
Meanwhile, Reid has said that firing Castillo was not an easy decision for him to make. Castillo served Eagles for around 18 years before being let go.
According to the details present on the team’s website, Reid refrained from going into specific details about the impacts of this change. He said of firing Castillo:
“This was my decision and my feel and so on. I've got to trust my instincts on it and as hard as it is, I've got to make sure I do that. That's what it's based on."
Eagles have their bye this week and will play their next game on October 28 against Atlanta Falcons. Castillo’s dismissal is a stunning and gutsy decision from the coach, who might introduce some more changes during the bye.
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