Reid and Turner Avoid the Axe, Again

Added on Jan 04, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Black Monday came and went without the carnage many pundits predicted. Two coaches and a pair of general managers received pink slips, but that was the extent of the damage. A few coaches are still teetering on the brink like Indy’s Jim Caldwell, but most of the big names lived to see another season pacing the sidelines. The two biggest being Andy Reid and Norv Turner, both of whom avoided the axe despite failing to reach the playoffs.

Eagles owner Jeff Lurie made it clear in his postseason press conference yesterday that Reid would be back for a 14th season, much to the chagrin of Philly fans and media. In Lurie’s mind, the Birds talent-rich roster is poised to take the step in 2012 that eluded them in 2011. Winning a Super Bowl remains the top priority in Philadelphia and right or wrong, Lurie is confident Reid is the best man for the job. Although reading between the lines, it sounds as if the leash will be very short.

Reid’s decision to promote longtime offensive line coach Juan Castillo to defensive coordinator blew up in his face. The summer free agent grab didn’t go according to plan. DeSean Jackson’s lingering contract squabble hung a pallor over the team all season. All this and the fact the Eagles haven’t won a playoff game since 2008 put Reid on thin ice. In the end, he skated, again.

San Diego’s Super Bowl aspirations went south after a mid-season six-game losing streak. After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, it seemed like a foregone conclusion Turner, and GM A.J. Smith, would be dumped. However, owner Dean Spanos expressed the same sentiment as Lurie, indicating the current braintrust gives them the best chance to win a championship.

The Chargers appeared to be on the verge of an extended period of dominance after advancing to the 2007 AFC title game. Instead, they’ve been on a steady decline the last four years with Turner at the helm. Poor drafts, atrocious special teams and folding in pressure situations have become commonplace. None of this was enough to send Turner packing.

For better or worse, Reid and Turner will return. Needless to say, both coaches are quickly running out of lives.