Andy Reid is out after 14 years coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, three people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press following Sunday’s 42-7 season-ending loss to the New York Giants.
Reid is scheduled to meet with owner Jeffrey Lurie today to discuss his future and an official announcement will come afterward, according to one person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because a final agreement hasn’t been reached. That person says there’s a chance Reid might remain with the team in some capacity.
Reid is due to make $6 million in 2013 in the final year of his contract. He said he wants to coach next year, but it’s possible Lurie could persuade him to take a season off and perhaps help out in the front office in an advisory role.
Eagles spokesman Derek Boyko denied several reports that Lurie has already fired Reid, saying it’s “absolutely, 100 percent” untrue.
The Eagles (4-12) finished their worst season under Reid by losing 11 of their last 12 games. They missed the playoffs two straight years for the first time under Reid.
After the ugly loss to the Giants (9-7), Reid sounded like a man who knew he was going to lose his job.
“We weren’t very good,” Reid said. “That’s my responsibility, and I take complete blame for it.”
Asked if he wants to return in 2013, Reid said: “I’m all in.”
Reid won more games (140) than any coach in franchise history. He led the Eagles to nine playoff appearances, six division titles, five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl loss.
“He’s a great man and I love him to death,” said quarterback Michael Vick, who could’ve played his last game with the Eagles. “I wish I could’ve done more. A lot of players wish they could’ve done more. Coaches can’t play the games.”
GIANTS-EAGLES HONOR 400 NEWTOWN RESIDENTS
They carried signs expressing gratitude and love. They exchanged high-fives with players and ringed the field during the national anthem.
About 400 residents of Newtown, Conn., attended the New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles game Sunday. Among them were a few families who lost children in the massacre this month, the Giants said. One was the family of Jack Pinto, the 6-year-old boy buried in a No. 80 jersey of Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
The families arrived in nine chartered buses. There were some 200 students from the school system to which Sandy Hook Elementary School belongs.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell greeted the Newtown group in a stadium tunnel. The residents formed a gantlet to welcome players from both teams before the game. Then they held hands during the anthem.
“It was awesome,” Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora said after the Giants’ 42-7 victory. “Imagine what they went through on that horrific day. For them to come out here and support us as they did, it was an unbelievable feeling. We had a great effort out there for them.”
Giants fullback Henry Hynoski said he could not have had a better 24th birthday than sharing it with the families from Newtown.
“It was emotional, running out and giving them high-fives and seeing the joy on their faces,” Hynoski said. “We played for them. After all they’ve been through, they were out to see us. It gave us a lot of extra drive to get the win for them.”
INJURY REPORT
Falcons defensive end John Abraham (left ankle) and cornerback Dunta Robinson (head) left the game against the Buccaneers in the first and fourth quarters respectively. … Colts starting guard Joe Reitz went down in the first half in the win against the Texans with a head injury. … Texans linebacker Daryl Sharpton left with a hip injury, while fellow linebacker Tim Dobbins left in the second half with a shoulder injury. … Panthers quarterback Cam Newton appeared to injure his lower left leg in the fourth quarter of Carolina’s win. … Bengals safety Chris Crocker hurt his right thigh while trying to make a tackle in Cincinnati’s win over the Ravens. … Bears tight end Matt Spaeth left Chicago’s win over the Lions with a concussion. … Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano and linebacker Kevin Burnett left Sunday’s game in the third quarter and were evaluated for concussions. No results were announced.
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