Eagles Lurie: Reid Will Return, Maintain Control Over Staff
Today, Jeffrey Lurie made an announcement regarding Andy Reid's future. Reid will do the same of defensive coordinator Juan Castillo in the coming days.
That assessment tied into a number of coaching changes that led to new systems for the team to utilize. Juan Castillo took over as defensive coordinator, bringing a new playbook and new ideas. Jim Washburn took over as defensive line coach, bringing his wide-nine style of play which the defensive line and linebackers had to adjust to. Howard Mudd took over the offensive line, bringing a new style of blocking.
Given Castillo’s higher profile position and the defense’s early struggles, Lurie’s faith in Reid’s decision to hire – and now whether or not to retain his defensive coordiantor was explained.
“He made a list of all of the top people he was looking at to replace Sean McDermott as defensive coordinator,” Lurie said of last year’s process. “Things happen, circumstances happen, changes don’t happen on other teams, certain coaches aren’t available and he became very, very interested in Juan because he knew what he could accomplish. Whether he could accomplish it fast enough, I think, is an interesting question, and he didn’t – the whole team didn’t.”
In other words, Castillo wasn’t Reid’s first choice, and now it’s up to Reid what he wants to do going into next season. Clearly, Lurie doesn’t want a repeat of the emotions he felt this time around.
“It’s not only unacceptable, it’s very very disapointing,” said Lurie. “Anyone in my mind who doesn’t feel both the disappointment and anger is just not getting what we’re all about.”
“I thought the first half of the season, for us, the only word I can use is maybe dismal, just unfathomable that we could have the record we had the first half of the season,” Lurie said. “Not only was it ludicrous to think we were gaining grown on Green Bay and New Orleans but we were losing ground to many other teams in the league. It was terrible.”
While Lurie said he’s excited about competing for a championship next year, he doesn’t put too much stock in the four game winning streak over Miami, Dallas, the New York Jets and Washington – teams he considered non-competitive.
“There’s a lot to be said for the players coming together and the coaching staff holding this group together in a way that was impressive, but to hold on to that as the reason to be completely optimistic is, I think, fools’ gold,” said Lurie. “I think you have to take it in real steps and say ‘What was taking place?’”
That led him to consult a variety of football minds internally and externally in order to evaluate his team from top to bottom. In the end, he cited Andy Reid’s “fire,” along with his track record and shorter term history as the reasons to keep Reid around for another season.
“Andy Reid to me, not only has the love of the players and their respect, but he also has the fire in his belly to be his best,” Lurie said.
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