Kelly Good Fit with Eagles?

Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

In a surprising move, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly reverses field and opts to take over the Philadelphia Eagles head coaching job, according to USA Today Sports.

The move left many scratching their head, including us.

Kelly had readily denied reports that he would jump to the NFL this offseason, stating that he was happy at the college level. But according to sources, the coach had a “change of heart” Tuesday night and nothing more.

“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles, team owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh energetic approach to our team.”

This will be Kelly’s first stint in the NFL.

Before Kelly made his final decision, the Eagles were in line to interview Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the 11th candidate in all. Meanwhile, Kelly was courted by the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns before landing with the Eagles.

Kelly has been a remarkable coach in the college ranks, going 46-7 in four seasons with Oregon. He consistently kept the Ducks in the BCS title conversation since 2009. In fact, the team played in a BCS bowl game in every one of his four seasons as head coach.

His uptempo, spread offense is said to fit in nicely at the NFL level, with the league transitioning to that style of play. And Eagles quarterback Michael Vick could be the right piece to the puzzle for Kelly to tinker with as he revamps the Eagles offense.

Though, moving to Philadelphia will present some problems for Kelly. First, the team finished an ugly 4-12 record on the season, but mounting injuries hampered their ability to consistently put a solid team on the field. Kelly also has to make a decision on Vick, who has been banged up this past season with a rib injury and a concussion. And at 32, he’s not getting any younger. It may be wise to invest in another quarterback who excels at the spread offense either through the draft or in free agency.

Nonetheless, Kelly is headed to the NFL following a short list of successful college coaches which include Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. With his offensive playbook in toe, we expect him to fit in just fine.