Ranking the 3 Most Likely Candidates to Replace Andy Reid After Yet Another Loss

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The Philadelphia Eagles fell to 4-11 on the 2012 season following Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Washington Redskins. This team has now lost 10 of its last 11 games after starting the year at 3-1.

While many areas can be blamed for the Eagles' demise, it seems head coach Andy Reid has mentally checked out on the season.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie entered this season with an ultimatum for Reid, one that would not tolerate another 8-8 season after last year’s disappointing results. With half of that total looking like the reality for this team, Reid's days in Philly could be numbered.

Though plenty of names will surface if Reid is indeed let go, these three candidates could find themselves at the top of that list.

3. Sean Payton

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Though Sean Payton is expected to be given the full-court press to stay in New Orleans with the Saints, he will technically enter the offseason as a free agent and should receive plenty of suitors for his services.

Payton's NFL background is on offense; he was even the quarterbacks coach in Philly in 1997-1998, and the Eagles will return plenty of talent on that side of the ball—whether Michael Vick is still around or not.

What Payton was able to do in New Orleans since 2006 is remarkable and the team is feeling his absence this season—entering Week 17 with a 7-8 record and no shot at a postseason berth.

If the Eagles want an experienced coach that can handle all that comes with a city like Philadelphia, Payton could be their guy. 

2. Vic Fangio

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While Vic Fangio's name might not be the most talked about as a potential head coaching candidate, the current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator should start to garner some interest.

If you want someone that has worked his way up through the ranks, Fangio is your guy.

Starting at the high school level, Fangio has held many jobs on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL since 1986. With defense being the Achilles heel in Philly, his presence could get this team back on track rather quickly.

Though Fangio works primarily with the 3-4 defense, the Eagles shouldn't have an issue making the switch with their personnel. And if they are looking for a more extensive overhaul along the depth chart, it would make that transition even smoother.

Besides, NFL defenses rarely stick with their base package the majority of the time anyway.

With ties to the Northeast Pennsylvania area (born in Dunmore, Pa.), the Eagles' job could be the perfect destination for Fangio.

1. Chip Kelly

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Though owner Jeffrey Lurie could prefer a more experienced candidate to take over his Philadelphia Eagles, Oregon's Chip Kelly is a very intriguing name from the college ranks.

Kelly is an offensive mind and would inherit plenty of talent on that side of the ball in Philly.

If the Eagles decide to keep Vick in 2013—though not likely as they've seemingly turned the reins over to rookie Nick Foles—Kelly's presence could make things very interesting all of a sudden.

Either way, Kelly would enter a situation that could provide some job security for his first NFL gig. Lurie is a very loyal and supportive owner.

Assuming Kelly does make the jump from his post at Oregon, he will draw a lot of attention around the league. While it may depend on who jumps at him first, Philadelphia is looking for a fresh start more so than any other team.

Kelly would be just that for the Eagles.

 

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy.