Is Chip Kelly Ready For the NFL?

Added on Nov 15, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Perusing the current coaching landscape in the NFL, it’s easy to see which teams will be searching for a new head man in 2013. At least half a dozen franchises could be in line for a change and one of the hot names being circulated by the league rumor mill is Oregon’s Chip Kelly, who has compiled a 44-6 record in three-plus seasons and is closing in on a second trip to the BCS title game.

Kelly has long been viewed as someone eager to test the NFL waters. His inspired practices, attention to detail and high powered offenses seem perfectly suited for success at the next level. However, as potent as his version of the spread attack might be, there is still debate about whether it would work in the pros.

That said, Kelly’s 2012 Ducks have scored at least 42 points in all ten games and eclipsed 50 seven times. Even if he had to make an adjustment or two, it’s not a stretch to believe he could excel under the right circumstances with the right amount of talent at the skill positions.

Here are three teams that appear to be the best fits for Kelly.

Philadelphia Eagles – It’s not a lock that owner Jeff Lurie will fire Andy Reid at season’s end, but given the win-or-else ultimatum he delivered last January, it’s safe to conclude that the Birds nest is ripe for a cleaning. With DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, Kelly would have a deadly trio of young stars to squeeze the potential from. The offensive line will get Jason Peters and Jason Kelce back from injury, which should help solidify a major weakness.

The glaring question that needs answering is of course under center. Michael Vick’s injury/turnover prone bloated cap figure will probably be gone, meaning either Nick Foles or a quarterback to be determined will be handed the reigns. Kelly would be a welcome addition to a respected organization starving for a championship and a roster in desperate need of discipline.

Cleveland Browns – Like Reid, Pat Shurmur is operating on borrowed time. He was outgoing president Mike Holmgren’s guy, so new owner Jimmy Haslam will be looking to land a big fish to usher in a new era. Trent Richardson is a stud and fellow rookie Josh Gordon has shown glimpses of being a reliable playmaker. But what about Brandon Weeden? Is he Kelly’s kind of signal-caller, or would someone like Geno Smith or Matt Barkley be more attractive?

Cleveland has some pieces on defense, but there are many holes that need to be filled on both sides of the ball. Kelly might be given more power under Haslam and the challenge would definitely be bigger, but a veteran pro coach with a proven track record is the more sensible option.

Dallas Cowboys – From a pure talent standpoint, the Cowboys have much to offer. Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and a healthy DeMarco Murray represent a solid core on offense. Tony Romo’s future is up in the air, but the options to replace him are limited, unless Dallas lands a Top 15 draft pick. Rising stars like linebacker Sean Lee and cornerback Morris Claiborne, along with perennial Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware, means the defense is in good hands.

The real issue here is control. Jerry Jones won’t allow a head coach to usurp him when it comes to personnel decisions. Kelly will likely want a larger say in which players he signs and drafts. The Dallas dictatorship has yielded exactly one playoff victory since 1996. Kelly would have money to burn, but it’s highly improbable he’d be the one spending it.