Andy Reid makes changes for Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid shook up his staff on Tuesday with the firing of defensive coordinator Juan Castillo following his team’s 23-20 home loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, in which the Eagles squandered a 20-6 lead in the fourth quarter.

Castillo was replaced with secondary coach Todd Bowles.

“I want to make it clear that I have nothing but the ultimate respect for Juan Castillo as a coach and as a person,” Reid, who played for Glendale Community College, said in a press conference on Tuesday announcing the change. “He’s one of the finest football coaches that I have ever worked with. He has served this organization extremely well for 18 years and letting him go was a difficult decision. I know he will continue to be a successful coach in this league and wish he and his family nothing but the best.

“We’re six games into the season and average isn’t good enough. I know the potential of our team and insist on maximizing it.”

While the Eagles’ defense has indeed been average, ranked slightly above the middle of the pack at 13th in the league in points allowed per game (20.8), Philadelphia’s offense has been markedly worse, ranking next to last at 31st in points scored per game (17.2) and turnovers. Reid suggested more changes may be in the works, saying he’s “going through the process of what I’m deciding,” although he did confirm Michael Vick will remain the starter at quarterback.