Reid responds to Manning and control report

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How can somebody with final say over personnel matters demand more control?

He cant.

And that was the essence of the Eagles reaction to a bizarre report in the L.A. Times Friday that claimed that head coach Andy Reid threatened to walk away from the team if he wasnt given more control over personnel matters.

Reid was given the title executive vice president of football operations back in 2001 and is widely recognized as one of the NFLs most powerful head coaches.

Reid declined to comment when reached by text, referring CSNPhilly.com to a statement the team released later that said: As far as the personnel control, I have had final say on personnel matters for quite some time here, and thats never been an issue or a point of contention. ... Our front office works very well together and thats one of our strengths.

Reid was given complete personnel control by owner Jeff Lurie 11 years ago after a power struggle with former general manager Tom Modrak. On the same day that Modrak was dismissedMay 8, 2001Reid was given the title of vice president of football operations.

In the ensuing years, it has been widely known that the general manager positionheld by Tom Heckert from 2001 through 2009 and Howie Roseman sinceis an advisory position, with Roseman recommending free agents, trades, draft picks, contracts and so on but Reid maintaining final say on all personnel moves.

The L.A. Times also reported that Reid considered offering Peyton Manning a contract after he was released by the Colts, but Reid said in the same prepared statement the Eagles interest never went beyond the usual due diligence every team does whenever any player is released. The Eagles never contacted Manning or his representatives.

The Eagles signed Michael Vick to a six-year, 80 million contract extension last Aug. 30.

We look into everything, as all teams do, Reid said. And I have the highest regard for Peyton Manning. But as I said publicly last month, that wasnt the direction we were heading in. Michael is our guy.

E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com

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