Reid could be in line for contract extension

ATLANTA - If timing truly is everything, then this would probably be a good week for the Eagles to announce the long-anticipated contract extension of coach Andy Reid.

With the Eagles in a three-game winning streak that has moved them into a first-place tie with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, it would not be at all surprising if the team has a third straight news conference this week to announce a contract extension.

In the two previous weeks, the Eagles gave extensions to offensive tackle Winston Justice and tight end Brent Celek. The team's 8-4 record is its best 12-game start since 2004, the season it went to the Super Bowl.

ESPN.com reported before the Eagles' 34-7 win over the Atlanta Falcons yesterday that the team was close to completing a deal with Reid's agent Bob LaMonte, and the team didn't deny it in a statement during the game.

"We're aware of the reports regarding Andy Reid's contract," the statement said. "The organization has acknowledged earlier that it expects to extend his contract at some point in the near future. Beyond that, the organization has no further comment."

Reid, whose current deal with the team runs through next season, was asked about the possibility of the extension after the game.

"I've told you guys before that I love it here in Philadelphia," Reid said. "The fans . . . I don't think there is any better organization in the National Football League. The statement has been put out, and that's what it is."

LaMonte did not return a phone message last night.

Reid, 51, is the Eagles' all-time leader in coaching victories with 115, including 10 in the postseason. The one thing missing from his resume, of course, is a Super Bowl title.

Eagles safety Quintin Mikell said he would welcome an extension for Reid.

"It would mean we don't have to worry about somebody else coming in here," Mikell said. "I think he deserves it. He's done nothing but win since he's been here. Obviously, we haven't got that Super Bowl yet, but he's done a great job, and I love playing for him.

"He's a guy who doesn't say a whole lot. His emotions don't go all the way up or down, and he doesn't get on you too much, but he's a good coach. That's what we need around here."