philadelphia eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie knew that Andy Reid would one day be a Hall of Fame coach, which is why the decision to fire him in 2012 was «extremely difficult.»
Lurie, who took ownership of the franchise in 1994, recalled Reid’s 14-year reign in Philadelphia when he led the team to five NFC championships and one Super Bowl appearance before ultimately being fired after a 4-12 season.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands on the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
«It was extremely difficult because I was personally very close to Andy,» Lurie said, via The Washington Post.
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«Obviously, we were very, very successful together. He represented everything I believe in… I just think what was best for Andy at that time, and I think his family probably thought what was best for Andy at that time, was to have a different environment for your family at that moment in time.
Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, greets head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs before a game on September 19, 2013 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images)
«I always thought he would be very successful wherever he went. I give him credit the bosses for immediately realizing your opportunity. And they have a first-choice Hall of Fame coach, in my opinion.»
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Reid was the Green Bay Packers‘ quarterbacks coach when Lurie eyed him for the head coaching job in 1999.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates with the Lamar Hunt Trophy after winning the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City , Missouri. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
«All the research we had done was [he was] instrumental in his highly successful offense, incredible leader,» Lurie said, via The Post. “And he had all the key ingredients that we were looking for. So it was kind of a no-brainer until we met with him to make sure. And we met with him, and it was one of the best interviews ever. [He was] highly prepared. And the rest is history.»
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Lurie obviously expects the Eagles to come out on top against Reid and the Chiefs on Sunday, but the respect he has for Reid will remain strong.
«We want to beat them, without a doubt, on Sunday,» Lurie said. «But there is a lot of camaraderie between the two organizations.»