Chip Kelly has been a speculated candidate to replace the man who replaced him at Oregon
Ever since leaving Oregon for the NFL, Chip Kelly’s name has been connected to every available collegiate job available. Some speculated he could coach at USC, Maryland, Texas, or just about any job he wanted.
With Mark Helfrich being fired from Oregon and the San Francisco 49ers having just one win, Kelly was asked about the opening in Eugene and if he’s interested in the job..
In typical Kelly fashion, reporters got a very simple response: “No.”
“I love everybody associated with the university. If I can help them, I can help them,” Kelly said. “So we’re done with that I hope. We can talk about the (Chicago) Bears.”
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Kelly did acknowledge he has talked to one person associated with Oregon, now-former coach Mark Helfrich.
“I just felt bad for Mark. I love him like a brother,” Kelly said. “He’s a tremendous person. He’s a hell of a football coach, but he’s an even better person.”
Despite the continued insistence he won’t return to college football, the rumor mill shall forever turn around Kelly. His offense and style of leadership has always felt like a better fit for college, evident by his firing by the Eagles last year.
Kelly has a big offseason approaching with San Francisco as the roster is due to a makeover. Kelly will have the first opportunity to draft a quarterback meant specifically for his offensive system. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson has been consistently linked as the best option to replace Colin Kaepernick.
Already eliminated from the playoffs, the 49ers are currently projected to own the second-overall pick behind the Cleveland Browns.