Reid receives three-year extension
Andy Reid, seen watching from the sidelines
during Philadelphia's game with the
Atlanta Falcons on December 6, has been given
a three-year contract extension by the Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid has signed a three-year contact extension through 2013.
“It was inevitable. There’s no point waiting,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said at a news conference Wednesday. “This sends a great message to the players right in the middle of the season. I’ve always valued stability.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Reid is the winningest coach in team history, leading the Eagles to the playoffs seven times with five trips to the NFC title game and one Super Bowl appearance in 10 seasons.
Since joining the team in 1999, Reid has won 115 games and compiled a .611 winning percentage, both best in Eagles history.
Reid took over a team that was 3-13 a season earlier and drafted quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first round of the 1999 draft. The Eagles improved to 5-11 in their first season under Reid then went 11-5 a year later and made the playoffs.
“I love Philadelphia, the fans have been unbelievable,” Reid said. “They’re fair. If we stink, they let us know. If we’re doing OK, they tell us.”
Despite his success, Reid has drawn criticism from fans for the team’s failure to win a Super Bowl. The closest the Eagles got was a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots following the 2004 season.
“Our No. 1 priority by far is to win a Super Bowl,” Lurie said. “One of the reasons for the contract is the obsession and prioritization of that.”
The Eagles have reached the NFC championship game four other times, including three straight losses before their Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles also reached the NFC title game last season, losing 32-25 to the Arizona Cardinals.
“It’s well-deserved for him,” McNabb said of Reid’s extension. “I’m happy for him. It was a great move for them. He’s a great coach.”
Reid took a leave of absence during the offseason in 2007 after two of his sons were arrested on drug charges.
One son is out of prison after completing a drug treatment program and the other is serving a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to smuggling prescription pills into a county jail.
