Andy Reid Fired

After numerous reports over the past few days, the Eagles officially announced Reid's tenure as head coach has ended.

It's the end of the Andy Reid era in Philadelphia.

After numerous reports over the past few days, the Eagles officially announced Reid's tenure as head coach has ended.

Eagles Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Lurie said, "Andy Reid won the most games of any head coach in Eagles history and he is someone I respect greatly and will remain friends with for many years to come. But, it is time for the Eagles to move in a new direction. Coach Reid leaves us with a winning tradition that we can build upon. And we are very excited about the future.”

The decision comes after a disappointing 4-12 season capped off by a 42-7 loss to the New York Giants.

Reid spent the past 14 years coaching the Eagles. The 54-year-old was hired in 1999 and ends his career in Philadelphia with an overall record of 140-102-1. Under Reid, the Birds made the playoffs nine times, won six division titles, played in five NFC Championship Games and lost one Super Bowl.

Reid’s 140 victories are a franchise record and rank 22nd on the all-time NFL coaching list.
"The search for the new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles will begin immediately," said Lurie.

It was a difficult year for Reid. He endured a devastating loss weeks before the season opener when his oldest son, Garrett, died at training camp after a long battle with drug addiction.

In October, Reid fired close friend and longtime assistant Juan Castillo, who was in his second season as defensive coordinator after coaching the offensive line for 13 years. He later fired defensive-line coach Jim Washburn.

After beating the defending Super Bowl champion Giants on Sept. 30, the Eagles lost eight straight games, their worst losing streak in 42 years.

PhiladelpiaEagles.com posted video of Lurie and Reid addressing team employees, who gave Reid a big ovation. Lurie handed him a game ball.

"I have a hard time standing before people without a few boos involved. But I'm taking it, I'm taking it all in," Reid said. "These have been the greatest 14 years of my life." Reid added, "Sometimes change is good... I know the next guy that comes in will be phenomenal. The ultimate goal is a Super Bowl. Everybody in this room, I wish you a big ring on the finger in the near future. Hail to the Eagles, baby."

Lurie held a press conference at 1 p.m. in which he spoke on Reid's firing.

The day after the end of each NFL season has become known as "Black Monday." It's a time when organizations hand out pink slips to coaches and other top brass.

This year is no different. Less than 24 hours after the regular season ended, NFL firings began at a furious pace. In a span of about 90 minutes before lunch Monday, Reid, Pat Shurmur (Browns), Romeo Crennel (Chiefs), Lovie Smith (Bears) and Chan Gailey (Bills) were let go after losing seasons.

None of the moves were surprising and more are expected.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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