Lack of effort by players cost Andy Reid his job with Eagles

They knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. Some of the Eagles players were sad because the only NFL coach they’ve ever known was telling them that he had been fired. And others were mad because it was their lackadaisical play that caused Andy Reid to be fired after 14 seasons as Eagles coach.

Soon after Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie told him that he was fired, Reid met with his players for the last time. Quarterback Nick Foles said Reid didn’t speak for long, but it was an emotional experience nonetheless.

“It just gave you a sick feeling,’’ Foles said, “because we know it’s our fault.”

And that’s what really upset several players, including quarterback Mike Vick, running back LeSean McCoy and guard Evan Mathis. They accused some of their teammates -- none by name -- of not playing hard all of the time and of being selfish instead of team-oriented.

“We had guys who lacked focus, who lacked heart,’’ McCoy said. "It’s obvious some guys didn’t lay it all on the line this season. … I don’t think [Reid] should be penalized for that.”

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.