Fitzgerald Cecilio

The Philadelphia Eagles have fired head coach Andy Reid after 14 seasons.

Reid joined the Eagles in 1999 and turned the franchise around. He guided Philadelphia to the playoffs nine times, including a Super Bowl appearance after the 2004 season. He leaves with a franchise-record 140 victories, which ranks 22nd in NFL history.

"Andy Reid won the most games of any head coach in Eagles history and he is someone I respect greatly and will remain friends with for many years to come," Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. "But, it is time for the Eagles to move in a new direction. Coach Reid leaves us with a winning tradition that we can build upon. And we are very excited about the future."

After an 8-8 campaign in 2011, Lurie said over the offseason that changes would be made if the Eagles didn't reach the playoffs this season. Philadelphia started the season 3-1 but stumbled home and ended the season wiuth an embarrassing 42-7 loss to the New York Giants.

University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly is expected to be among candidates the Eagles pursue.

"The search for the new coach of the Philadelphia Eagles will begin immediately," said owner Jeffrey Lurie. "It is time for the Eagles to move in a new direction."

 

Philadelphia Eagles Fire Longtime Coach Andy Reid - NFL 2012