Lurie, of course, was never going to fire his coach in an open forum. In fact, the team's website tweeted just before he took the podium at the NovaCare Complex that Lurie was announcing Reid's return. But for most of his speech, Lurie checked off the multitude of reasons the Eagles' not making the playoffs was "incredibly, incredibly disappointing."
He pointed to a regression after last season's NFC East title, a season in which quarterback Michael Vick finished as runner-up in the MVP voting. He spoke of the expectations that went unfulfilled after the Eagles signed the league's top free agent in cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and other high-priced additions.
But when the season started, the Eagles played like a team with a first-year head coach. Lurie called the start "dismal" and "unfathomable." Even being overly optimistic about the four-game winning streak that saved a .500 record, Lurie said, would be "fool's gold."
Despite all that, Lurie said he was sticking with Reid because of his track record, his recent success, and, most important, intangibles such as his relationship with his players.
"I knew it," Eagles running back LeSean McCoy said of Reid's return. "Andy's the best."
Lurie's harsh language, while perhaps meant to placate fans, also could be viewed as a message to Reid that he has to win a Super Bowl for the franchise very soon - such as next season.
Lurie was asked whether Reid, who has two years remaining on his contract at $5 million annually, had to win a title next season or else.
"Every year the goal is to win the Super Bowl," Lurie said. "I think we'll let the process play out. There's no ultimatums."
