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Report: Chip Kelly drawing interest from multiple NFL teams

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/21/24

Despite a mediocre six-year run as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Chip Kelly could be heading back to the NFL.

Kelly, who has been UCLA’s head coach since 2018 following a previously unsuccessful four-year NFL stint at the helm with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2015) and San Francisco 49ers (2016), is reportedly garnering interest from several NFL teams, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

“Multiple sources tell CBS Sports that UCLA head coach Chip Kelly has been mentioned as a possible offensive coordinator by multiple head-coaching candidates this cycle,” Jones wrote. “Multiple teams have started due diligence on the former Eagles and 49ers head coach for their potential offensive coordinator vacancy.”

As much as I've criticized Chip Kelly for his past season at #UCLA, him being an NFL offensive coordinator makes perfect sense to me. He doesn't have to build the roster, doesn't really have to speak to the media, he just has to coach an offense, and he can do that (1/3) https://t.co/gwSJ1c00Z2
— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlsonDB) January 21, 2024

People are thinking Belichick's potential staff, and that makes sense. I wouldn't be stunned if it happened given all the criticism Kelly constantly faces at #UCLA. I've been critical, but don't be mistaken – this would be a big loss for the Bruins at this point in the year
— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlsonDB) January 21, 2024

The Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers all have openings at offensive coordinator, while the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders are all expected to be looking for new OCs as well after firing their head coaches.

The Detroit Lions (Ben Johnson), Houston Texans (Bobby Slowik), Miami Dolphins (Frank Smith), New York Giants (Mike Kafka) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dave Canales) could additionally be in the market for a new OC if they lose theirs to a head-coaching job.

In his six years at UCLA, Kelly has a 35-34 record with a 1-1 bowl record. He signed a multi-year contract extension with the school in March that will pay him $6.1 million in 2024 and $6.2M from 2025-27.

The 60-year-old Kelly first popped onto the NFL’s radar after a 46-7 run as head coach of the Oregon Ducks from 2009-12 that included Fiesta and Rose Bowl wins, plus a national championship game appearance.

Kelly’s up-tempo offensive scheme, which heavily relied on RPOs and plenty of deception, earned him a reputation as one of the more innovative offensive minds in the sport. He helped develop several top college quarterbacks (Jeremiah Masoli, Darron Thomas, Marcus Mariota) and running backs (LaGarrette Blount, LaMichael James, De’Anthony Thomas).

The Eagles ranked second, fifth and 12th in total offense and fourth, third and 13th in scoring, respectively, during his three seasons.

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