The status of Eagles coach Andy Reid has -- and will continue to be -- a major topic for the balance of the season.
Before Thursday night’s ugly loss to the Seahawks, it was believed that Reid would be back, in large part because the Eagles are stuck with Mike Vick for at least one more year. Even after the debacle that dropped the Dream Team to 4-8, there’s a sense that Reid will be back.
But it won’t be automatic. Per a league source, Reid’s future will hinge on his willingness to admit that it was a mistake to shift Juan Castillo from offensive line coach to defensive coordinator. If Reid concedes that he erred, and rectifies the blunder by firing Castillo, Reid will stay. If he refuses, Reid will be gone.
It’s an easy way for Reid to get out with a buyout, if he chooses to dig in his heels. And we’ve seen other head coaches refuse to fire assistants, setting the stage for a termination.
And so that’s the ultimate question in Philly. If Castillo isn’t fired by Reid, both will be fired by owner Jeffrey Lurie.
Of course, Reid can save some face by not completing firing Castillo. Instead, Reid can move Castillo back to the job of offensive line coach, and either keep Howard Mudd as a consultant or nudge Mudd back into retirement.