Andy Reid as Eric Taylor
Disclaimer: Yes, we know Andy Reid’s postseason success should disqualify him here.
Coach Eric Taylor can win the big game, so judging by postseason success, this should actually be Hank Stram. But Friday Night Lights was about so much more than state championships for Coach Taylor.
Coach Taylor was a family man (with perhaps the single best depiction of a marriage in TV history). Andy Reid is also a family man. Their wives are both named Tammy (or Tami on FNL). Both coaches are known for being players’ coaches, guys who do the right thing even if it hurts the product on the field. Their players swear by them.
Speaking of being good with players, Andy Reid took in Mike Vick and not only succeeded but kept the drama to an absolute minimum. He brought in the charismatic (and divisive) Terrell Owens and did the same. He can take a no-name, put him at quarterback and churn out positive results. Coach Taylor can check all of those boxes. Just look at the way he mentored Vince Howard or got anything out of Matt Saracen (who was 5’9).
Besides, when Andy Reid came to Kansas City, the Chiefs were the worst team in the NFL the previous season. That’s basically the East Dillon Lions. Since then he’s cleaned up the program, made them into winners and given the media nothing but likable coachspeak since then. Can you not picture Andy Reid firing up his team with a “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose”?