With seven NFL head coaches fired this past Monday, there’s a very realistic opportunity that the Oregon football head coach will be highly sought after by most, if not all, of the teams with a vacancy.
October 27, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly speaks to Oregon Ducks offensive linesman Everett Benyard (71) against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian reports that Chip Kelly will be interviewed by the Cleveland Browns on Friday. Of course, Kelly responded with the following in his final day with the media before the game tomorrow.
“I don’t expect anything,” Kelly said per Fentress. “I’ve said this a million times. I’m never surprised by anything. I do not know what the future holds. I do know we have a football game tomorrow night and I’m going to be there.”
That’s typical Kelly doing anything he can to fight off speculation. Based on his history last year flirting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vacancy, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him finally take a job this time around. Not to mention potential recruiting violations that could hit the program this year.
Getting to four BCS bowls in four seasons is an absolute triumph. Unless Kelly has a dying need to win a national championship, there’s enough on his resume that shows he can get a staff and begin winning immediately. The only question is will his offensive plans work in the NFL?
As long as he has the right personnel, it can. Mike Shanahan is showing that Robert Griffin III can excel as long as the right system is in place, and the reason for the teams’ winning streak outside of great play by their quarterback is the ability of outcoaching their opponents – just as they did against Jason Garrett and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
For now, Oregon fans can enjoy another BCS game with one of the best coaches in college football. Then the worry can begin at the conclusion of the Fiesta Bowl.