The Eagles have announced today that they have extended the contract of Joe Banner for another three years.
They also promoted Don Smolenski to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
“Joe’s superb foresight both on and off the football field has been a key driving force for the team’s achievements,” said Eagles Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Lurie. “And Don’s contributions over the last decade have been remarkable; his promotion to Chief Operating Officer is in recognition of his hard work, talent and dedication.”
Banner was signed through 2010, but now it looks like he’ll be with the Eagles through 2013 (I did the addition in my head).¬† I know Eagles fans won’t like this, but it is what it is.¬† Yes, Banner can rub some people the wrong way and most Eagles fans see him as a cheap tightwad.¬† But truth be told (and I’m sure I’ll hear about this in the comments), he is one of the top executives in the NFL.¬† He practically coined the term capologist and is a big reason why they Eagles have been so good for so long.
I know, I know.¬† That’s not what you want to hear.¬† But it’s the truth and you might as well start to like the guy because he ain’t going anywhere.¬† You simply don’t get to his level in the business world without being a supreme businessman.¬† And part of that usually includes not always being liked by everyone.¬† It’s just the way it works.
As for Smolenski, he was formerly the team’s Senior Vice President and CFO.
“In every success story there are always a few true heroes that are not as visible as others. The fans may not know the name, but much of the good that we do starts with Don,” said Banner.
the worst signing of the year
did i mention, this is the worst signing of the year? we need someone an owner with cacafuego to own this club because these two ratbags (lurie and banner) aren’t going to get it done here. say what you will about andy but he’s doing the in the indy 500 with a dodge dart budget