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Why Chip Kelly Is Under The Most Pressure To Win

By Erik Lambert

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly runs off the field at halftime against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly runs off the field at halftime against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly runs off the field at halftime against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly runs off the field at halftime against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Most of the NFL head coaching vacancies are filled and the arguments have begun over which was the worst and which was the best of the lot.  Opinions vary and the truth won’t come out until the games start being played, but it is fair to ask another question.  Who among those coaches hired is under the most pressure to win immediately?

There is no question that is Chip Kelly.  Why?  Two simple words:  Colin Kaepernick.

It’s apparent to anybody with eyes that Kelly was brought in with almost the sole purpose of rescuing the San Francisco 49ers’ investment in the 28-year old quarterback.  In the same of two seasons he went from winning road playoff games against the best teams in the NFL to being replaced by Blaine Gabbert as starter.  It’s as rapid and steep a decline as the NFL has seen in a long time.

Where Kelly comes in is the fact that he has a reputation dating back to his days at Oregon for favoring quarterbacks who are dual threats.  Meaning they can run and throw with equal effectiveness.  Names like Dennis Dixon, Darron Thomas and Marcus Mariota were stars in his scheme for the Ducks.  Yet for whatever reason, he wasn’t able to corral one such type during his three years in Philadelphia.

However, there are rumors it wasn’t without trying.  Not only did he try like mad to move up for Mariota in the draft last year, he also searched for any avenue to get Kaepernick as well, who at one point appeared available.  This would explain why the 49ers were interested when he became available.

Kelly’s offensive systems are based on speed.  Fast pace and fast players at every position, including quarterback.  It’s meant to wear defenses out until they can do nothing to stop it.  At times it worked in Philly, but teams soon adjusted.  Was his scheme figured out or did he just not have the right triggerman?

Chances are San Francisco is giving him a limited opportunity to find out.  If it bombs after one season though, don’t expect that patience to last long.

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