Chip Kelly changes his mind, quit Oregon, he's the new EAGLES coach!

[treeduck]

The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off the stunner of the coaching-carousel season Wednesday, pulling Chip Kelly back in long after we thought he was out of the mix for the Eagles position.

 

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Kelly will bring a ton of excitement and interest to Philadelphia in 2013, not that the Eagles are unaccustomed to attention. The hire raises so many questions. Let's try to provide some answers.

 

What made Kelly change his mind?

 

As recently as two days ago, Kelly was on the recruiting trail. The Eagles' statement announcing the release indicates Kelly simply had a change of heart, even mentioning when Kelly decided to stay at Oregon 10 days ago.

 

"The conversations continued until Kelly decided he wanted to remain at the University of Oregon, the statement read in reference to the team's previous interview. "Still, Kelly continued to evaluate the opportunity to work for the Eagles in the NFL."

 

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that GM Howie Roseman was the key to getting Kelly in the fold. The team communicated to Kelly all along he was their No. 1 choice, even as they spoke to other candidates. Only Kelly can explain what sealed the deal.

 

Will Kelly have full personnel authority?

 

Rapoport says Kelly never asked for it. He didn't want full control of personnel. That's ultimately Roseman's job.

 

Other than Oregon players, who is most disappointed about the Kelly move?

 

New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordiantor Monte Kiffin, fresh off a miserable USC stint, had no idea how to stop Kelly in college. Now Kiffin will have to try in the NFC East.

 

Kelly hired as Eagles coach

 

 

More:

» Rosenthal: Will Vick fit as Kelly's QB?

» Evans: Kelly hire could be worst in NFL history

» Oregon recruit: Kelly 'at my house 2 days ago'

Video:

» Can Kelly's offense work in the NFL?

Can Michael Vick stick around as a Chip Kelly quarterback?

 

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported in December that Vick was keeping an eye on where Kelly landed because he saw himself fitting in a Chip Kelly offense. It remains to be seen whether the interest is mutual. Vick is due $15.5 million in 2013 and there have been strong indications that he would not take a pay cut to remain in Philadelphia.

 

Vick certainly has the mobility to succeed in Kelly's offense, but it's not like he's run anything close to what Kelly has at Oregon. It's quite possible Kelly would prefer to mold his up-tempo offense with a younger quarterback that isn't so expensive. We still have our doubts whether Vick will stay with the Eagles, but he would be a lot of fun to watch.

 

What about the rest of the Eagles offense?

 

The pieces are in place for Kelly's attack to be very good right away. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin make for a nice pair of speedy, vertical wide receivers. Running back LeSean McCoy is a versatile fit for a fast-break offense. The offensive line has talented pieces in left tackle Jason Peters, guard Evan Mathis and center Jason Kelce. Yes, fantasy owners of the skill-position players should be excited. Kelly will run more plays per game than normal teams. More plays equals more numbers.

 

It's not that Kelly will simply run his scheme from Oregon at the pro level. He knows that he will have to bend his approach to NFL realities and his roster. There is plenty of talent in Philadelphia to work with.

 

Kelly's offense is not built on gimmicks, but established NFL principles. He's going to be different, but there are a lot of reasons to believe his attack can be successful. If not, it's going to be fun watching him try.

[Babycat]

Thanks, Duck!

[treeduck]

Thanks, Duck!

 

Coincidentally Chip Kelly has just quit his job as the Ducks' head coach!

 

B)

[Lerxster]

Chips Ahoy! Not sure what to make of this move, since he has zero NFL experience. It's a risky move, but a bold move. It will be interesting, that's for sure.

 

Note to Chip: lose the visor hat.