Chip Kelly To Coach Eagles

Added on Jan 16, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

Ten days ago it looked as if Oregon head coach Chip Kelly had again spurned the NFL in favor of returning to one of the nation’s most successful college programs. That was then, this is now. Kelly has been named the new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, thus ending one of the most scrutinized coaching searches in years. Whether it was a negotiating ploy or a simple change of heart, Kelly will take his innovative and aggressive style to the professional game.

Yesterday it appeared that the Eagles might hire Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley after he was reportedly interviewed for a second time. Kelly, in fact, was completely off the media’s radar, but obviously not owner Jeff Lurie’s, who pursued Kelly immediately after dismissing Andy Reid.

Kelly’s impressive 46-7 record with the Ducks means nothing now. He has zero NFL experience and is known for utilizing a fast paced spread read-option offensive scheme that may or many not translate to the pros. The hope is he’s more Jim Harbaugh and less Bobby Petrino, but only time will tell.

One of the biggest issues facing Kelly will be who is under center in 2013. Nick Foles doesn’t fit the mold of quarterback he favors, but Michael Vick does. Will he roll with the soon to be 33-year-old and his bloated salary, draft someone more suitable to his style, or install a different scheme entirely?

Regardless of pundit opinion, Jeff Lurie hit the bullseye. He landed his first choice back in 1999 when he pegged Reid, and did the same with Kelly. If nothing else, Kelly will bring a much needed influx of fresh energy to a franchise that had grown stagnant in recent years.

The Eagles have several problems that need to be fixed. Whether Kelly is the right man for the job remains to be seen. But the search for Andy Reid’s replacement is over. Let the rebuilding process begin.

Source: ESPN.com