Reid’s low-key style has earned him sustained success (but no Super Bowl trophy). Andrew Brandt
While most teams have been cautious about making cash commitments during the season, the Eagles have been somewhat active. They extended the contract of tackle Winston Justice, an afterthought of a player at the start of the season who proved valuable through better play and strong work ethic. A week later, they extended Brent Celek, an ascending tight end with high character and discipline.
Although both players would be property of the Eagles next year because of the uncapped year ahead, the team found the environment of uncertainty in the labor negotiations to be helpful in using its ample cap room to lock up some building blocks for the future.
Having addressed a couple of players, the Eagles turned to their coach/general manager, announcing this week that Andy Reid has agreed to an extension through the 2013 season.
Many have questioned some of Reid’s individual game decisions, as we’ve done here at the Diner. However, Andy has achieved long-term and sustained success – albeit without a Super Bowl trophy. In the ultra competitive world of the NFL, his success is compelling. What’s most impressive to me, though, is his ability to maintain an even keel through the rollercoaster life of an NFL season, and to do it year after year for 11 years and counting.
The poker face
Andy frustrates scores of people with his stoic and unemotional demeanor. He refuses to call out players or coaches in public and usually has a stock answer to a problem area of the team such as, “We’ve got to get that fixed.” He just won’t engage in anything more than dull platitudes in his public comments (although he will slip in some humor from time to time, sometimes strategically placed).
In my view, that’s not only an approach that works for Andy but also one that’s a hallmark for success in this business. Reacting – and overreacting – to wins and losses is for the fans and media; it’s not for coaches and players. People often asked me about coming into work after a big loss or a big win. As boring as it sounds, the workplace is usually about the same. Working in the volatile business of football requires a singular focus that doesn’t sway with the highs and lows of the games, and there will be those every month of every year. “Steady as she goes” is certainly uninteresting but vital for someone in Andy’s position.
Screamers lose effect
The level approach is even more important in addressing players as a leader. Think about a group of 60 or so football players listening to a head coach every day from July until January, season after season. There are only so many messages that are going to seep in without becoming stale. Emotional outbursts must be used strategically or they will certainly lose effect. There are only so many profanity-laced tirades or spit-spewing rants a team can hear from a coach before they lose their impact.
Think how many times Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook and others have heard Andy’s pre-practice, post-practice, pregame and postgame remarks. Hundreds? Thousands? There’s no need for a swing of emotions with the Eagles coach; they know what they’re getting.
In my view, the “flat liners,” as I call them, have the best chance for success in the NFL. They may frustrate fans, media and others clamoring for more sound bites, but they tend to succeed. In looking at successful people, I usually look for what I call an “emotional intelligence” that influences those around them. Andy is one of the best I’ve seen in this, along with Tony Dungy.
Meeting about Matthew
I admit to a bias about Andy. I worked with him this past offseason at the Eagles and have known him since 1998, although we never worked together at the Packers (Andy was leaving Green Bay to take over the Eagles as I was starting there). Prior to the 1998 NFL Draft, I was representing Matt Hasselbeck. Despite my best efforts, which were obviously not good enough, I was unable to get Matt invited to the NFL Combine. So we had to improvise.
I organized a workout for Matt at Boston College and notified every NFL team of the date and time. I received only one response to attend: Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Andy Reid. Since he was our only attendee, I picked him up at Logan Airport -- watching as he stuffed himself into my sports car -- and drove him over to B.C. to watch Matt. When he left, he told me how impressed he was with Matthew, but I had long since learned not to believe pre-draft talk from teams. In this case, however, Andy’s words were true, and the Packers drafted Hasselbeck in the sixth round.
Four more years
Andy is a solid man with the best interests of the team always at heart. I do worry about his weight but was comforted seeing him rule a racquetball game last offseason (his reputation on the court was legendary in Green Bay).
Despite the frustrating sound bites and platitudes from their most public face, the Eagles are in good hands for four more years. Of course, they have not reached the ultimate prize, but, as usual, find themselves in the hunt once again.
Follow me on Twitter: adbrandt
To read about which teams may have an interest in Eagles QB Michael Vick in 2010, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
How are so many NFL coaches so overweight when they've got access to state-of-the-art work-out facilities for free, probably a five minute walk from their offices? It's one of the mysteries of life, right up there with "why do women take so long in the bathroom?"
As I Giants fan, I am glad he is staying until 2013 and I hope he is there until 2036. I KNOW as long as he is there, they will NEVER win the big one. The same goes for McNabb. Every year they lose at least a game or two because of short yardage or back clock managment. Those are easily correctable issues that they cant get right. I look forward to seeing miserable Eagles fans for the next 4 years. LETS GO GMENNNNNN!!!!!!!!
Sean G -
I'm not sure which Eagles team you are thinking of, but as a fellow Giants fan, i don't feel so great about having Reid in the division for a few more years. The Giants are 12-12 against the Eagles during Reid's 10-year+ reign, including 1-2 in the playoffs. The Eagles have also been to the playoffs 7 times in his first 10 seasons, including 4 conference championship games and a Super Bowl. During the same span, the Giants have made the playoffs 6 times, going to the Super Bowl twice (1-1) and losing their first playoff game in the other 4 years.
Is McNabb a big part of that success? Absolutely. But i'd also contend that Reid's ability to keep McNabb happy (as much as anyone can) has been a masterstroke. Reid's also won with Jeff Garcia and AJ Feeley as his starting QB.
Without the Tyree catch or McNabb's vomit breakdown, you might think differently of Mr. Reid. I'd much rather have three "old ballcoach" types ruining the Eagles, 'Skins and Cowboys for the long-term.
Sean G -
I'm not sure which Eagles team you are thinking of, but as a fellow Giants fan, i don't feel so great about having Reid in the division for a few more years. The Giants are 12-12 against the Eagles during Reid's 10-year+ reign, including 1-2 in the playoffs. The Eagles have also been to the playoffs 7 times in his first 10 seasons, including 4 conference championship games and a Super Bowl. During the same span, the Giants have made the playoffs 6 times, going to the Super Bowl twice (1-1) and losing their first playoff game in the other 4 years.
Is McNabb a big part of that success? Absolutely. But i'd also contend that Reid's ability to keep McNabb happy (as much as anyone can) has been a masterstroke. Reid's also won with Jeff Garcia and AJ Feeley as his starting QB.
Without the Tyree catch or McNabb's vomit breakdown, you might think differently of Mr. Reid. I'd much rather have three "old ballcoach" types ruining the Eagles, 'Skins and Cowboys for the long-term.
Big Red is ok with me. Sure he does some wacky things, but rememberi t took Bill Cohwer 14 yrs to win the big one.
Giants Fan enjoys the coach of the team that ended their season last year, despite them having home field and a bye? I guess a game is only big to them if the Giants win it.
Quite refreshing for Reid to get a deal that mirrors the contract given a player who exhibits team attitude. Buy into coach Reid like Celek has, maybe you get a six year deal like the two of them.
yeah.. true
nice articles..
As I Giants fan, I am glad he is staying until 2013 and I hope he is there until 2036. I KNOW as long as he is there, they will NEVER win the big one. The same goes for McNabb. Every year they lose at least a game or two because of short yardage or back clock managment. Those are easily correctable issues that they cant get right. I look forward to seeing miserable Eagles fans for the next 4 years. LETS GO GMENNN!!!!!!!!
very interesting blog and a good posting !!! you must maintain your blog, its interesting !!! Nice Buddy
very nice blog i like it...
I love your blog! You will be in our prayers and thoughts! Nice and informative post on this topic thanks for sharing with us.Thank you!
This is a great blog and I shall read your with a great interest. Thanks for sharing. Will visit more blogs.
Thank you for your article, all internet I searched for this text.
Thx for all.
Thank you for your article, all internet I searched for this text.
Thx for all.
fantabulous job. keep moving ahead
Go eagles!
Took me awhile to read all the comments, but I really love the article. It proved to be very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It's always nice when you can not only be informed, but also engaged! I'm sure you had fun writing this article.
Next time you hear an owner say he is concerned about losing money, remember they are the ones making the decisions to pay these guys. Even if they just hire a bad GM it's the same as signing a bad player.
It is very usefull information for every one...
Cap and cash ramifications of...
Thoughts on Indy, Eli, Wes, Mario...
The numbers behind the game
Real action is week before the...
Signs point to the end of an era
Dec 11, 2009
01:04 PM
I am one of those fans who is often frustrated by Andy's lack of emotion and in-game management. I often wonder about things like why he won't commit to the run, and question how he builds his rosters year after year. But when I take a step back and look at his career as a whole, there is one thing that can't be underestimated or questioned and that is the strength and stability he brings to the franchise.