Andy Reid taking leave of absence (1 Viewer)

[delusional]

"Philadelphia Eagles President Joe Banner today announced that Andy Reid will take a leave of absence from his duties as head coach/executive vice president of football operations in order to attend to personal matters involving his family. The leave of absence will last until approximately mid-March 2007. At that point, Reid will return to his regular duties with the Eagles."

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNews...il.jsp?id=64667

 

[JaxBill]

Of course, he'll be back in time for the Eagles to take another first-round bust.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

This isn't terribly unexpected.

His kids are a right now, and aside from the combine there's not much for him to do until FA or gearing up for the draft. Banner, Marty M., Harbaugh and Jim Johnson can cover. Harbaugh/JJ have been there for years.

 

[JaxBill]

Free Agency begins before he returns.

I hope he left a list like:

"While I'm gone-

-water the plants once a week

-hold all my calls

-forward my mail

-re-sign Stallworth"

 

[JohnnyU]

Damn rug rats !!! He should have sold them for 20k+ when they were under the age of 3.

 

[redman]

Honestly, I feel for the guy. His job has as much scrutiny as any in that city, and he probably already feels guilty like most coaches do about spending so much time away from his family over the years. Nobody needs this, and Reid's a guy who I've always liked from a distance.

 

[EZD222]

An NFL coaching job for me would be too much stress on trying to build a family. Theres just too many hours needed to balance both out.

 

[dickey moe]

This isn't terribly unexpected.His kids are a right now, and aside from the combine there's not much for him to do until FA or gearing up for the draft. Banner, Marty M., Harbaugh and Jim Johnson can cover. Harbaugh/JJ have been there for years.

What's up with his kids?

 

[redman]

An NFL coaching job for me would be too much stress on trying to build a family. Theres just too many hours needed to balance both out.

The story that stands out in that regard was one that Joe Gibbs told about his first coaching tenure. He went to kiss one of his boys good night on one of those nights when he returned home at 3 a.m. or something and he was shocked to feel stubble on his face. Football is fun and addicting but it's hard to do something that takes you away from your family so much.

 

[Kleck.]

This isn't terribly unexpected.His kids are a right now, and aside from the combine there's not much for him to do until FA or gearing up for the draft. Banner, Marty M., Harbaugh and Jim Johnson can cover. Harbaugh/JJ have been there for years.

What's up with his kids?

According to an ESPN update, one is a heroine addict and the other has had some weapons and drugs charges.

 

[redman]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

 

[Slinger]

This isn't terribly unexpected.His kids are a right now, and aside from the combine there's not much for him to do until FA or gearing up for the draft. Banner, Marty M., Harbaugh and Jim Johnson can cover. Harbaugh/JJ have been there for years.

What's up with his kids?

According to an ESPN update, one is a heroine addict and the other has had some weapons and drugs charges.

Both got in trouble with the law on the same day.

 

[Kleck.]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

 

[redman]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

That's what got me thinking along these lines. This isn't something that the average person would think they could address in just 5 weeks.

 

[Slinger]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

It depends on the age of his kids. You can't hold their hands if they're adults.

 

[azgroover]

I don't know the kind of hours Reid works, but IMO, being a workaholic is as big of a problem as being a heroin addict. A resignation wouldn't surprise me if this guy gives a $#@ about his family as much as most LDS guys do.

 

[EZD222]

I don't know the kind of hours Reid works, but IMO, being a workaholic is as big of a problem as being a heroin addict. A resignation wouldn't surprise me if this guy gives a $#@ about his family as much as most LDS guys do.

Tony Dungy didn't resign. I'm just saying...

 

[Please See Mine]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

There has been a ton of speculation on talk radio here that he will either take a year off or resign, but I am not aware of anyone having any inside info to that effect.

 

[redman]

I don't know the kind of hours Reid works, but IMO, being a workaholic is as big of a problem as being a heroin addict. A resignation wouldn't surprise me if this guy gives a $#@ about his family as much as most LDS guys do.

Tony Dungy didn't resign. I'm just saying...

Well his son was also dead too, in other words, beyond help. These two will have ongoing legal problems for quite some time. It's a very personal decision which means it's the hardest for an outsider to predict.

 

[Domination]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

It depends on the age of his kids. You can't hold their hands if they're adults.

Ages 21 and 24.

 

[Slider]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

And do what? Going broke trying to cure their drug habit isn't gonna help anything. They're 20+, it's a little late to get serious about parenting. What he needs to do is get them professional help and keep working.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Some good coverage by a very underrated writing staff at Philly.com:

John Smallwood | Someday, Reid must get back to business

IN A PERFECT WORLD, we would have as much time off as we need to deal with a family crisis.The reality is that most of us get a few days, maybe a week, before the demands and responsibilities bring us back to our jobs.

So at least, in this little sense, Andy Reid got a break, in that his current family concerns came to a head last week.

Super Bowl week is a chaotic whirlwind for the two franchises involved, but for the rest of the NFL teams, it is a relatively calm period when the grind of professional football slows just enough to momentarily allow an exhale.

It's no coincidence that Reid and his wife, Tammy, were vacationing in California when their sons, Garrett and Britt, got in trouble with the law last Tuesday.

The week after the Senior Bowl is when most coaches and their staffs can find time to take some kind of break after a nonstop, 5 ½-month grind.

So in that sense, Reid has some extended time to concentrate on his family without worrying about Eagles business.

Still, a clock is already counting down.

Sooner, rather than later, Reid and the Eagles must make some tough decisions about when and how much the head coach/executive vice president of football operations will resume his duties.

It might not be compassionate to think about football at a time like this, but it is a real consideration that must be addressed.

The NFL won't stop and wait for Reid and the Eagles.

It is a highly competitive, cutthroat industry that will exploit your pain while simultaneously offering compassion for it.

In a league of parity, losing the slightest edge could mean the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

In a little more than 2 weeks, from Feb. 21 to 27, NFL teams will gather in Indianapolis for the scouting combine.

It is the first big step in preparating for the draft and the 2007 season. It is a critical period when teams make up-close and personal evaluations of players they want to put on their draft boards.

Given the Eagles' traditional strategy of improving through the draft instead of free agency, it is their most important period of offseason talent evaluation.

It gets the ball rolling on everything from drafting to cutting players to free-agent signings.

You can't just show up in Indianapolis without clear ideas and goals. You go to the combine with a well-designed strategy for what you want to accomplish.

Odds are, the original plan was for the Eagles' brain trust to get back together, refreshed from vacations, and begin preparing for the combine early next week.

I can't imagine that changing, despite what is happening with Reid's family. The question is, will Reid be there to lead?

Tom Heckert is the Eagles' general manager. Certainly, he has been given a lot more authority and control in player evaluation and acquisition, but Reid remains ultimately in charge.

The football operations hierarchy is clear, with Reid at the top.

Considering what is happening with his sons, however, it must be asked whether Reid is ready to devote the nearly 24/7 attention to business he has in the past.

Certainly, everyone would understand and no one would blame him if he isn't, but it's a situation the Eagles must address and decide on.

A special-teams coach must be hired. Minicamp preparations must be made. Contingency plans must be formulated for the possible free-agency losses of quarterback Jeff Garcia, receiver Donté Stallworth and others.

There simply is a building list of football-related issues that won't wait because Reid has family issues.

In a perfect world, this wouldn't be an issue. But the world isn't perfect, and soon, as difficult as it might be, the Eagles and Reid must address it.

 

[redman]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

And do what? Going broke trying to cure their drug habit isn't gonna help anything. They're 20+, it's a little late to get serious about parenting. What he needs to do is get them professional help and keep working.

You sound like you're speaking more about what you would do rather than what Reid or someone else might do. Never underestimate the power of parental guilt in a situation like this one.

 

[fatness]

When something serious is wrong with your kids, whatever age they are, it feels like your feet go right out from under you. I don't blame the guy at all for taking time off.

I'd bet he doesn't know at present how much time he'll need, or what he'll need to do or have done; just that this is more important than anything else and has to be dealt with now. Where that'll lead is impossible to predict.

 

[softball]

His kids are beyond he and his wifes help. They need to manage their care, get them to where they can get the proper help. Then hope as any parent hopes they get themselves together.

I imagine he has been in contact with professionals that are asking him to give until March to get everthing in order and then let them take over. I do hope it works out for them as well as possible.

As for the above article on getting back to business? Football isn't really a 24/7 job and 365 days. Football FANS are that way, and the media needs something to write. These guys ALL take too much time doing it. The cases of burnout and overall exhaustion are a result of the pperception that they must go 24/7.

I remember the Gruden commercial on NFL network. "It's not that complicated" was his quote, and that is accurate. They overvalue themselves in the football business...

 

[Kleck.]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

And do what? Going broke trying to cure their drug habit isn't gonna help anything. They're 20+, it's a little late to get serious about parenting. What he needs to do is get them professional help and keep working.

Go broke? Reid doesn't come off as a guy with a $3+M/year lifestyle. I'm sure he has plenty of money stashed away.Yes, they may need professional help, but there are other forms of help that Reid can give them. Support and being there for them can go a long way. That's just what I'd do. Doesn't mean that is what everyone would do or should do.

 

[Slider]

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

And do what? Going broke trying to cure their drug habit isn't gonna help anything. They're 20+, it's a little late to get serious about parenting. What he needs to do is get them professional help and keep working.

Go broke? Reid doesn't come off as a guy with a $3+M/year lifestyle. I'm sure he has plenty of money stashed away.Yes, they may need professional help, but there are other forms of help that Reid can give them. Support and being there for them can go a long way. That's just what I'd do. Doesn't mean that is what everyone would do or should do.

Reid lives in a big house in Villanova. His kids drive 50k Denali's. He has 5 kids. Houses aren't cheap in Villanova and Reid has been high paid for about 6 years. I'm gonna guess he can't just take a couple years off.

 

[Keg]

Some good coverage by a very underrated writing staff at Philly.com:

John Smallwood |

:tup: to John

 

[Godsbrother]

Honestly, I feel for the guy. His job has as much scrutiny as any in that city, and he probably already feels guilty like most coaches do about spending so much time away from his family over the years. Nobody needs this, and Reid's a guy who I've always liked from a distance.

I feel for the guy as well. You can be the greatest parent in the world and still have a messed up kid. Here's hoping the kids straighten up and quit being a burden on their parents.

 

[Ozymandias]

Honestly, I feel for the guy. His job has as much scrutiny as any in that city, and he probably already feels guilty like most coaches do about spending so much time away from his family over the years. Nobody needs this, and Reid's a guy who I've always liked from a distance.

I feel for the guy as well. You can be the greatest parent in the world and still have a messed up kid. Here's hoping the kids straighten up and quit being a burden on their parents.

The reality is that even good parents who spend a lot of time with their kids can have messed up young adults. It is easy to stand to the side and criticize, but the world is a complex place. If the facts as portrayed in the media are true, then his kids are going to need good lawyers and good counseling. But they are adults.

 

[trader jake]

Just throwing this out there...

Mike Martz is the only coach (that I can recall) who took this type of break and he was fired upon completion of the season anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if Reid elects/is pushed to take a break from football. IF that occurs the next question is "Who takes over in Philly?"

Maybe this is a stretch but I remember reading rumors that Jon Gruden was being shopped (if that's the right term for a head coach). Gruden runs the same offensive system as Reid, has coached in Philly as an assistant, and he has already proved he could take over a team that's close and get them to the Super Bowl.

Or maybe I'm just connecting dots that are just too far away...

 

[redman]

Just throwing this out there...Mike Martz is the only coach (that I can recall) who took this type of break and he was fired upon completion of the season anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if Reid elects/is pushed to take a break from football. IF that occurs the next question is "Who takes over in Philly?"Maybe this is a stretch but I remember reading rumors that Jon Gruden was being shopped (if that's the right term for a head coach). Gruden runs the same offensive system as Reid, has coached in Philly as an assistant, and he has already proved he could take over a team that's close and get them to the Super Bowl.Or maybe I'm just connecting dots that are just too far away...

Martz's hiatus was mid-season, and he was already on the outs with the ownership having worn thin his welcome. This is during arguably the slowest time of the year (optimal for this sort of thing) and Reid's done nothing but win and be a good soldier there. These don't seem like comparable scenarios. Assuming Reid does resign, Gruden would be interesting for all the reasons stated. What's his contract status in TB?

 

[Jason Wood]

Of course, he'll be back in time for the Eagles to take another first-round bust.

2005 -- Mike Patterson: Fixture in the defensive line rotation, rewarded with a new long-term deal last year2004 -- Shawn Andrews: Pro Bowler, and considered one of the best interior lineman in the NFC by many pundits2003 -- Jerome McDouble, shot in the stomach [hasn't delivered on the field, but can we blame Reid?]2002 -- Lito Sheppard, Pro Bowl corner2001 -- Freddie Mitchell, bust2000 -- Corey Simon, Pro Bowl DT1999 -- Donovan McNabb, Franchise QBHmmm...I see a franchise QB, former franchise DT (who played well while an Eagle), the team's best CB (and a multiple time PBer), a dominant young offensive guard (and future RT for the team) and an emerging DT with a long-term contract. How many teams have had as much success with their 1st rounders over that same span?

Wacky idea but do you suppose there is any chance that Reid could outright resign from his head coaching position due to the severity of these family problems?

If it were my kids and is as serious as this sounds to be, I would resign.

While I think Andy Reid should take as much time as he needs, I'm not sure why so many people feel it's somehow Reid's obligation to resign. Reid is effectively the CEO of a multi-million enterprise. Would Steve Jobs give up running Apple if his son was on crank? Would Sergey Brin quit Google if his wife was hopped up on coke? Reid can take some time, but how would giving up his career and staying at home improve their lot in life?His kids have serious substance abuse issues; they have to decide for themselves that they want to get better...Reid being at home or not isn't going to cure what ails them.

 

[JaxBill]

Jason, maybe those guys will pan out in the long-term but when you take DE/DT in the first round three of the last 4 years, you should be able to stop the run a heck of a lot better than they have.

McDougle is a bust and should probably be let go after June 1.

Patterson was in the rotation but is hardly a dominant DT. Maybe he'll improve as time goes on.

Broderick Bunkley hardly played at all last year. Maybe with a full training camp, he'll improve in '07, but we'll see.

My point was that aside from Shawn Andrews(who was a very good pick), the Eagles received very little from 3 of their last 4 first round picks last year.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason, maybe those guys will pan out in the long-term but when you take DE/DT in the first round three of the last 4 years, you should be able to stop the run a heck of a lot better than they have.McDougle is a bust and should probably be let go after June 1.Patterson was in the rotation but is hardly a dominant DT. Maybe he'll improve as time goes on.Broderick Bunkley hardly played at all last year. Maybe with a full training camp, he'll improve in '07, but we'll see.My point was that aside from Shawn Andrews(who was a very good pick), the Eagles received very little from 3 of their last 4 first round picks last year.

JAX, since when are DT and OTs expected to make a major impact on a contending team in their first or second year? Bunkley was a rookie on a deep defensive line. You can't judge him for at least another season or two. Patterson showed enough to earn a long-term extension. He's not the problem stopping the run, it's our undersized defensive ends, arguably the worst linebacking corps in the NFC and a defensive coordinator who is stubborn to a fault.As I showed pretty clearly, Reid's track record with 1st rounders has been as good as, if not better than most personnel men in terms of breadth of contributors.

 

[mudshark]

One of the theories being discussed on the radio yesterday was that this was a move to shield Reid from having to answer endless questions from the media. According to Joe Banner, the team will be in contact with Reid and he still has the final say in all player personnel. This could just be a way to avoid having Reid's personal life become a distraction while they prepare for free agency and putting together their draft strategy. Right now I wouldn't read any more into it than that.