NFL

The Andy Reid-Norv Turner Job Watch Will Continue At Least Another Year

The Philadelphia Eagles were perhaps the NFL’s most disappointing team. The San Diego Chargers missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. Both teams are coached by one of the NFL’s most-ridiculed people. And both teams will be bringing those oft-ridiculed coaches back in 2012.

Earlier this afternoon, the Chargers announced that Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith would return next season, while the Eagles announced they’re retaining Andy Reid. It’s likely the both coaches’ jobs were saved by late runs (the Chargers went 4-1 over the season’s final five games, while the Eagles closed 2011 by winning four straight). And Reid has a strong track record to fall back on – eight 10-plus-win seasons, nine playoff appearances, winningest coach in Eagles history, and a Super Bowl appearance.

But these guys had best get back to the playoffs next year, or they’ll probably both be toast. Both teams have enough talent that they ought to be able to. The “Dream Team” stuff was over the top for the Eagles, but there are a ton of good players on that team. And with no team in the NFC East finishing better than 9-7 this year, there was no excuse for them not winning that division.

And just one year ago, the Chargers finished with the NFL’s top-ranked offense and defense: missing the playoffs in spite of that stat has to rank among the great anti-feats in NFL history. Clearly, the talent’s there in San Diego too – and considering the Broncos won that division while barely cracking .500, the time is now to make a move there as well. The Eagles and Chargers should be able to make playoff runs next season. If they don’t, we’ll be right back here in a year – and probably with a different result.