Michael Vick Benched by Eagles, Andy Reid Next to Go in Philadelphia?

It’s official, Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to go with rookie quarterback Nick Foles to close out the 2012 season (per NJ.com)—more than likely ending the Michael Vick era in Philly.

While it was understood that drafting Foles would signal a handing over of the reins eventually, no one suspected it would happen this soon. Though Vick’s concussion problem helped lead to this outcome, it also lends itself to a natural scapegoat for the decision.

The real question now is: What is next for the Eagles franchise in terms of other changes in advance of the 2013 season?

Look no further than Reid’s status as head coach.

Reid’s seat is about as hot as that of any coach in the league at this point and eight consecutive losses—with no end in sight—will only keep it that way.

NFL organizations build themselves on great leadership, with the head coach and quarterback often the entire face of the franchise. With Vick presumably gone after this season, the next move could be to send Reid packing too.

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 that benchmark now out of reach, he has no choice but to back up his words.

Reid has given everything he has to Lurie and the Eagles, but it seems his time has run its course.

The Eagles are a team in transition and would do well to continue their trend of wholesale changes in order to keep up in their own division—one that features a team that has won two Super Bowls in the past five seasons (New York Giants) and another led by one of the most dynamic rookie quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen (Washington Redskins)—let alone the rest of the league.

Failing to make a change at head coach now threatens the immediate future of this franchise, something Lurie can’t afford to let happen.

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy.