A season that began with so much promise ended with unthinkable disbelief and failure. The 2012 Philadelphia Eagles season was by far the worst we have experienced since… Well, to be honest I can’t even remember. I’m not sure if there is another season that is really comparable to this season. Not with the talent that was on this roster. Not with the expectations set so high. And certainly being a Super Bowl favorite just to end the season 4-12 (1-11 to close the season out) and ending the Andy Reid era.
Some people might say we ran Andy Reid out of Philly. Ridiculous. Some say we don’t appreciate him. Moronic. Eagles fans appreciate Andy Reid very much. We are very grateful for his 14 years here. He accomplished many things that Eagles fans have not seen in a long time, if not ever. I feel that Eagles fans are forever in debt to this man for bringing us so many good moments over the course of nearly a decade and a half.
For many young fans coach Reid is the only head coach they have ever known for the Eagles. And for many of the older fans, having the Eagles searching for the next head coach is almost like a new situation again. It’s been that long. And that alone says a great deal about Andy Reid’s tenure with the Eagles. Think about that. 14 years! I was just out of high school.
I just want to highlight some of Andy Reid’s accomplishments.
By Chris McPherson philadelphiaeagles.com
Andy Reid is the winningest head coach in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is only the second head coach in franchise history to guide the team to a Super Bowl appearance. Here is a quick bulletpoint-style look at his numerous accomplishments during his 14-year reign in Philadelphia …
• Has the highest win total (140) and winning percentage (.578) of any coach in club history.
• Dominated the NFC East with a 54-40 record (.600) and earned six division titles. Reid owns 17 wins over Dallas.
• Became the 37th coach in NFL history to reach the 100-win plateau (vs. Atlanta on October 26, 2008). In addtion, is the 22nd coach to win 100 games with one franchise and the 17th coach to reach 100 victories in their first stint as a head coach. He is also just the fourth coach to win 100 games in a decade.
• On November 7, 2011, became the 31st coach in NFL history to patrol the sidelines for 200 regular season games and just 13th to do so with one franchise.
• Since joining the head coaching ranks in 1999, Reid’s win total trails only Bill Belichick.
• His 10 playoff wins in nine appearances are most in team history and tied for 11th in league history. The Eagles earned trips to five NFC Championship Games and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX.
• Reached the 50-win milestone faster than any coach in team history (81 games). Dick Vermeil did so in 88 games.
• Earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2000, 2002 and 2010.
• Six assistant coaches who served under Reid went on to become head coaches: Brad Childress (Minnesota), John Harbaugh (Baltimore), Leslie Frazier (Minnesota), Ron Rivera (Carolina), Pat Shurmur (Cleveland) and Steve Spagnuolo (St. Louis).
• During his tenure, Reid coached 29 different players to a total of 66 Pro Bowl berths including 15 players with multiple selections.
All of the speculations and rumors came to light yesterday. We say goodbye and thank you to Andy Reid and will soon welcome in a new leader of my beloved Birds. I have no specific guy that I’m wanting. All I hope for is someone with a bit of an edge. Defensive minded but will not ignore the offense. Someone that is hellbent on winning the Super Bowl. That’s what I want in our next head coach.
Brian Dawkins and Donovan McNabb both returned to Philadelphia as part of a visiting team the very next season after their departure from Philly. I only hope wherever coach Reid ends up next season his team makes a trip to Philly. And like Dawkins and McNabb, he will get a much deserved and appreciated welcome home.
Best of luck to you big guy. Except against us.