Andy Reid On The Hot Seat? Why Eagles Fans Should Have a Little More Faith.

I guess I’m the only Eagles fan who still has faith in Andy Reid.

When it was speculated recently that Andy was going to be ousted as the Eagles' head coach and replaced by Jon Gruden, Eagles fans were beyond elated; there was a collective groan, however, when that was revealed to be nothing more than a rumor.

Still, some might say that such a reaction speaks volumes about how fans in Philly view the big guy.

Now, granted, in the past few weeks Andy has made some interesting calls, such as promoting Juan Castillo from the offensive line coach to the defensive coordinator after weeks of doing virtually nothing.

Some, ok, most, would say that was a bone head decision and I can see why, but to be honest, I think its brilliant.

Think about it: aside from the defensive coordinator himself, what other coach or coordinator would have to know a lot about the defense? The offensive line coordinator has to know what’s coming and from where in order to be successful. He has to understand the other team's defense better than perhaps even a quarterback, at least a receiver.

Not only that, Castillo was defensive back during his playing days, and started his caching career as a defensive line and linebacker’s coach. So the call is obviously controversial and I may end up eating crow, but I think it was bold. We’ll just have to see how it pans out.

Ok, so we’re frustrated with Andy because he hasn’t brought the Lombardi to Philly. We came close, within three points, in 2004. But we failed. We’ve been to the playoffs just about every year, save three. We’ve been to the NFC Championship five times with Reid at the helm and lost four times.

I get it. It’s time. We need a Super Bowl. Our history is far too checkered with near misses. Bring it home, finally.

Andy Reid is hands down the best coach Philadelphia has ever had (one might put Buddy Ryan in that conversation, but I beg to differ), and I’m curious if people honestly believe that if we fire him for someone else, we’ll get the championship anytime soon.

I’m not saying “just give him a chance,” because we’ve obviously passed that point. What I am saying is it will happen. I’m confident.

Consider how long it took Bill Cowher to win the big one. He started as head coach in 1992, went to the Super Bowl and lost in 1995 and didn’t win until 2006. He’s considered a hero in Steelers’ country, and the fact that folks wanted his head for the same reasons they want Andy’s isn’t even mentioned anymore.

In 12 seasons he took his team to the playoffs nine times, and it wasn’t until the 13th that he won the Super Bowl. 

Reid has also been to the playoffs nine times, but in 11 seasons.

Some folks may ask, “you’re not comparing Andy Reid to Bill Cowher, are you?” To which I would reply, “yes I am.” With the exception of the one Super Bowl, their numbers in the win/lose categories are strikingly similar.

These things take time. No one thought it would take this much time, but such is life. I have faith in Andy. I believe that Philadelphia will serve as the home of the Lombardi trophy at least once before Andy calls it a night.

As fans, we need to be critical and we should be frustrated, but I think we should also trust our head coach, and with a little more patience, we too will be able to boast of being World Champions.