LeSean McCoy, a Philadelphia Eagles legend, recently expressed his lingering frustration over the Eagles’ decision to fire head coach Andy Reid back in 2012. For McCoy, Reid wasn’t just a coach but a driving force who brought out the best in his players, and the decision to let him go left McCoy angry and bewildered.
As he explained on a recent episode of “Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel,” McCoy recalls how Reid consistently brought success, steering the Eagles to multiple NFC Championship games and even a Super Bowl appearance. This impressive legacy made Reid’s departure even harder to accept.
“I was so mad when he left,” McCoy shared, highlighting his disbelief. “All he ever did was win.” Under Reid’s guidance from 2009 to 2012, McCoy blossomed as a running back, making two Pro Bowl appearances and racking up nearly 6,000 rushing yards. Reid’s offensive system brought the best out of his players, yet his leadership was called into question after the Eagles’ two rough seasons with a 12-20 record.
But as McCoy pointed out, some issues—like defensive struggles and costly turnovers—were beyond Reid’s control. “The defense wasn’t playing well, and we had our fumbles. How’s it Andy’s fault?” McCoy added, emphasizing that one coach couldn’t be responsible for all the team’s missteps.
The Eagles’ defensive decline in Reid’s last seasons was marked, dropping from a top-five ranking in points allowed between 2002-2007 to 21st by 2010. A coaching shuffle from the renowned Jim Johnson to Juan Castillo and Todd Bowles further disrupted the defense. Following a 4-12 season in 2012, the Eagles felt the need for change. But for McCoy and many fans, the decision to let Reid go was a drastic move with lasting implications.
After Reid’s dismissal, he quickly found a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, where he redefined the franchise. Reid’s influence has been transformative, especially in the development of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has flourished in Reid’s offensive system with staggering stats. The Chiefs, under Reid’s leadership, have become one of the NFL’s dominant forces, while the Eagles missed out on a coach who, given time, may have kept their franchise among the league’s elite.
In parting ways with Reid, the Eagles aimed to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Chiefs gained a head coach who would go on to craft a dynasty, showing just how much impact Reid’s steady hand could bring to a team.
