The reaction to Andy Reid's hiring in Kansas City has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Excited for the new hiring," said defensive back DeQuan Menzie, who spent most of his rookie season on injured reserve. "Looking forward to playing for such a highly respected coach."
Tight end Tony Moeaki tweeted, "Andy Reid though? That's sweet!" Left tackle Eric Winston also took to Twitter when he was asked his impression, and said: "Excited. Proven winner."
Winston even said he was looking forward to April and the start of offseason work.
It's expected that Reid will attempt to lure back many names from his best days with the Eagles, including Pat Shurmur, who was fired as the Cleveland Browns coach Monday. Shurmur was an assistant with the Eagles from 1999 to 2008.
Another name that has surfaced is Brad Childress, who was the Browns' offensive coordinator this season. He worked in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2005, first as quarterbacks coach and then as offensive coordinator, before taking the head coaching job in Minnesota in 2006.
Doug Pederson, who played ahead of Donovan McNabb during part of the 1999 season, rejoined the Eagles as an assistant coach in 2009 and could stay with Reid in Kansas City.
Juan Castillo reportedly has an offer from Reid to become his offensive line coach. Castillo was successful in that role with the Birds, but after struggling as defensive coordinator, Reid fired him earlier this season.
Ron Rivera will return as coach of the Carolina Panthers next season.
Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said Rivera met with owner Jerry Richardson Saturday morning and was informed that he will return for a third season. Rivera, a linebackers coach with the Eagles from 1999 to 2003, has two years on his current contract.
Rivera's status with the Panthers had been up in the air pending the meeting with Richardson, who fired GM Marty Hurney after a 1-5 start and informed Rivera at the time Panthers needed to be "trending upward" the rest of the season.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
