Does Chip Kelly Make the Jump to NFL?

Kelley L. Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Chip Kelly’s jump from the college ranks to the pros has been a long time coming. But after the fallout from the Oregon Ducks’ sketchy involvement with Will Lyles “scouting service,” his leap to the NFL could be put into hyperdrive.

“The University of Oregon’s attempt to resolve an NCAA investigation through summary disposition has failed, two sources with knowledge of the Ducks’ discussions told Yahoo! Sports.

“The sources said Oregon is now anticipating an appearance before the NCAA’s committee on infractions (COI) this spring – something the school was hoping to avoid following an investigation into the football program’s financial relationship with prep adviser Will Lyles.”

While the NCAA has yet to come down on the University of Oregon with a suitable punishment, it should be coming in due time. In turn, this could lead Kelly to pull a Pete Carroll (in USC) and jump ship for the NFL before he gets dragged back into a messy situation.

This could prove disaster for Oregon fans. Since Kelly was named the Ducks head coach in 2007, he’s tallied a remarkable 45-7 record (.865), where he’s won two PAC-12 Coach of the Year honors and put together a national title team. He’s also developed one of the most potent, uptempo offensive systems to date in college football.

This year, he’s led the Ducks to another successful season and a No. 6 ranking in the nation. And if it weren’t for a heart-breaking overtime loss to Stanford, the Ducks would be playing in the BCS championship game. Unfortunately, they’ll have to settle for a bid in the Fiesta Bowl, where they will face off against Kansas State.

As for Kelly, he has a few options when it comes to NFL jobs. In fact, he could either land with the San Diego Chargers or the Philadelphia Eagles, given the coaching vacancies that will presumably be left behind by the firings of Norv Turner and Andy Reid, respectively. And both offer intriguing destinations.

But for now, we know that Chip Kelly is, in all likelihood, out as Oregon’s head coach. There has yet to be any talk of who would take over in his absence, but rest assured it won’t be easy job filling his shoes and rebuilding a program that’s been stock full of talent over the past six seasons.