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In January, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie strongly hinted that coach Andy Reid is on the hot seat. During a Thursday press conference, Lurie basically acknowledged it.

Lurie said he would make no decisions about Reid’s contract until after the 2012 season. With Reid signed through 2013 and with Reid’s agent, Bob LaMonte, already posturing for an extension, Lurie’s words initially seemed to reflect his intentions regarding the question of whether Reid will get a new deal that applies beyond 2013.

As Lurie continued, it became more clear that, depending on 2012, there may be no 2013.

“I expect a substantially improved team,” Lurie said. “We all thought we were a lot better than 8-8 and we weren’t.”

This year, 8-8 apparently won’t be good enough to get Reid one more year. “We need substantial improvement,” Lurie said. “We have a very good team on paper, and paper doesn’t get you that far if you don’t maximize it.”

Lurie explained that there’s no specific level of achievement that will guarantee Reid’s return. “You try to make the best judgment you can after the season,” Lurie said.

There will be no formula regarding the right decision. “It’ll be very clear,” Lurie said.

While Lurie acknowledged that another 8-8 season could be excused by a rash of injuries, he reiterated that, generally, “8-8 is unacceptable . . . that was a really unacceptable outcome.”

Thus, regardless of how it all turns out, Reid is officially on notice. And Lamonte’s assertion that Lurie essentially has promised Reid a job for life has been completely debunked.

Whether Reid returns for a 15th season depends directly on how the 14th season unfolds.