PHL Anon
If you didn’t get to listen to the Jeff Lurie interview earlier, I will go over some of what was discussed, interesting points, and things that scare the shit out of me. So, let’s get this party started!
Lurie on Chip:
Really want to publicly thank Chip. Over the last three years no one has worked harder. He’s a smart guy, and it was a bold decision to hire him, and it certainly had some success. And I just wanted to thank him as I did yesterday.”
How did Lurie move on so quickly from Chip:
I think in making bold moves you can easily achieve mediocrity. I think it would be a shame not to try, but in the end the results were mediocrity.”
Was Chip offered the option to stay if he gave up Personnel control:
No. That was not something that I offered. It was decided that it was best to go in another direction.”
Did Chip make a play to stay:
No. But I think the atmosphere was one that he knew he was being let go.”
Did Chip lose the locker room:
No, I would not say that.”
If he will hire a new general manager:
Howie Roseman will remain as Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Tom Donahoe will run the day-to-day player personnel department, which is a crucial hire and crucial position as player personnel goes. Howie will be responsible for making sure our player personnel department is as good as it gets in the NFL, and he will be responsible for that. A new Head Coach, an Executive Vice President of Football operations, and a Director of Player Personnel head who are all partners to collaborate.”
Did DeMarco Murray have much say in this:
No. DeMarco had no say in this at all.”
Will Lurie shy away from hiring another college coach:
No category is diminished here. We are going to look at NFL coaches, NFL coordinators, College coaches, retired coaches. We are going to look at all the best candidates.”
What’re you looking for in a new Head Coach:
I think in terms of what we are looking for in a coach, it’s several things. It’s number 1 a smart strategic thinker. That’s a given. You need to be thinking about the short term, mid term, and long term interests of the organization. Somebody that interacts very well, and communicates very clearly with everyone he works with and comes in contact with. Someone that understands the passion of our fans, and understands what it means to coach the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a unique and passionate fan base that just wants to win. You’ve got to incorporate that in your life, in your heart, and you’ve got to be willing to do that. Another thing is attention to detail. I think all good coaches have tremendous attention to detail in this league. Lastly, amongst many other things, you’ve got to open your heart to players, and everybody that you want to achieve peak perforce. I would call it a style of leadership that values information, all the resources that are provided, and at the same time values emotional intelligence. I think in todays world the ways businesses are run, and sports teams are run that a combination of all those factors, and it’s not easy to have, provides the best chance to succeed.
What is the ultimate outlook, and importance to Lurie:
You’ve got to look at things outside of just winning the NFC East. I think it’s a bigger situation than that.”
The “Dig” of the press conference:
If you want the power to make all of those decisions, well then be accountable for those decisions you made.”
All in all, nothing too crazy was said, but there were a few jabs in there at Chip when discussing accountability and having “emotional intelligence.” The one thing that terrifies me is Howie Roseman still having his hands on the roster. Not only could this dissuade some coaching candidates from wanting to get into this situation, but I think we are at a juncture where we need a tried and true football mind that has been around talent, and a culture of finding success in the draft (i.e., New England, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, etc). Also, I’m not fully sure that Howie has ever been fully responsible for a draft, and I don’t know what that would look like. I do, However, know that I don’t want a guy that has revenge on his mind when things don’t go his way.
One thing is for sure – this is going to be a very interesting next few months with tons of rumors, updates, excitement, disappointment, among a million other emotions. What do you think of everything that was said?
Sidenote: I’m 1000% okay with both Jerry Azzinaro and Dave Fipp staying on. Our D-line and special teams units have been dominant during their tenures. Otherwise, everyone else can get the fuck out! Sorry, Duce.
Audio of the entire press conference below: