One thing that’s relatively standard about the Philadelphia Eagles is this. They don’t have to set up any notifications on their mobile device to know what’s going on with their favorite team. If it’s reported, they’re on top of it. 15 minutes after we heard what former Birds coach Andy Reid said, there were already hundreds of debates going on.
Some were healthy. Some weren’t (it’s amazing how angry people get about this stuff), but what Andy Reid said isn’t really as important as why he said it.
Let’s get some of the Philadelphia Eagles fan base caught up.
If you have no idea what we’re talking about, don’t worry. There’s no need to turn in your fan badge. Here’s your update.
A slight buzz began building on ‘WentzDay’ as Big Red quieted any rumors of Philly’s interest in Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy when he turned a few heads with the following statement.
"No, there was no formal interview form sent in (to interview Bieniemy). They (the Eagles) had talked about it, but there was nothing formally sent."
Old news? Maybe it is. Water under the bridge? You could say that too. Interesting? It absolutely has to be seen that way.
Here are three thoughts that are on the minds of a few Philadelphia Eagles fans.
1. Bieniemy is shut out again.
Bieniemy interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Houston Texans for their vacant head-coaching positions. Philly interviewed ten candidates of their own.
In the end, the Birds settled in on Nick Sirianni, but you all know that. Even still, ignoring what was supposed to be one of the best available candidates has to be seen as an issue.
2. So much for finding the best available candidate huh?
Prior to beginning their search, Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie stated two things. One, the Eagles weren’t going to rush. Second, their search would be thorough.
Looking back, they definitely took their time, but if this team never even considered someone of Bieniemy’s stature, you have to wonder how thorough that search was. Sure, they sat with ten guys, but if one of those guys wasn’t Bieniemy, that’s inexcusable right? You at least have to hear what he had to say, don’t you?
Maybe he doesn’t call the plays in K.C., but how do you justify that Sirianni is definitely a better candidate without interviewing Bieniemy? How can anyone in the Eagles leadership structure say this search was thorough.
3. Is there something going on that we might be unaware of?
Regardless of what side you’re on in this discussion, here are the facts. Two times in as many years, Eric Bieniemy has been viewed as one of the best candidates for teams looking for a head coach. Two times in as many years, he’s been shut out.
At some point, you have to ask if there’s something going on that we’re unaware of. Might something else be at play? There’s no evidence that proves anything one way or another, but come on. Weren’t you thinking the same thing?