Chip Kelly to NFL: The Morning Phone Call That Changed Oregon Football

Jan 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly reacts after the 2013 Fiesta Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

On a cold, foggy day in Eugene, Chip Kelly had a change of heart. Ten Days ago he said he was staying, but early this morning he talked with Rob Mullens and said he was going to the NFL to coach the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelly said the decision was hard to make – to leave friends and the community he has called home for so long.

The search for Kelly’s replacement will begin immediately. Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens said it will be both internal and external. They want the best fit for the players, and the community. He said there will be no interim coach for the team. Mullens said the Ducks are moving forward and Kelly was great for the program and there is a lot of respect for the former coach.

Two things stand out when looking for a new head coach. 1. Recruits and 2. The upcoming sanctions.

We are less than three weeks away from National Recruting Day. Mullens said assistant coaches are on the road and recruting will continue. Several future Ducks have already said they will remain committed to the program including Running Back Thomas Tyner and Wide Receiver Dontre Wilson.

Mullens said Oregon can’t talk about the process when it comes to the NCAA Sanctions, but he doesn’t beleive it will be a significant conversation with candidates.

Due to confidentiality for both the school and the candidate nothing further will be reported from the University of Oregon until the Ducks are ready to introduce Chip Kelly’s successor.

Chip is now in Philadelphia and will be introduced Thursday morning at 10:30am PT as the Philadelphia Eagles next head coach.

Some irony: Lane Kiffin’s dad Monte left USC to become the Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Looks like he and Kelly will renew their rivalry at the next level.