What will become of Chip Kelly?
With openings in the NCAA creating a stir -- USC, anyone? -- the focus turns to the former Oregon head coach who clearly enjoys the level of control, autonomy and privacy he had at the collegiate level.
Here's NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport:
"My understanding is that after the ugly loss to the Lions in front of the entire country, Chip Kelly was despondent, frustrated and feeling the heat for the first time, aware it seems that his job status may actually be in doubt after grabbing all the power this past offseason. That said, he seems intent on fixing this issue, understands that his back is against the wall and is looking at making some possible changes with a little mini break after the Thanksgiving day game.
"But at the end of the season he is gonna face a decision," Rapoport continued. "It seems it is a little bit of a longshot for it to come from another NFL team, but USC still maintains interest in Chip Kelly. It seems like they will at least touch base with him after the season. He is gonna have to make a call on what his future holds after this season with the Eagles ends."
USC isn't the only potential destination for Kelly. According to Rapoport, the Tennessee Titans also could make a push for Kelly to fill their coaching vacancy if he becomes available.
"Do not discount the Tennessee Titans, especially if Kelly did not want personnel control, which of course would seem to be a huge ask considering what happened in Philly this year," Rapoport said.
For USC, it seems like a bit of a dicey proposition. Kelly flaked out of one head coaching job in the past and almost flaked out of the Eagles' job the year he finally made the leap. Waiting until the Eagles' season is over might put them well behind the 8-ball. The Trojans are still a premiere college power and are facing stiff competition for quality college and professional coaches. Names are rapidly flying off the board already, including former Memphis head coach Justin Fuente.
There exists a possibility that Kelly might actually have to dig in and fix this on his own. For Philadelphia, is that the best-case scenario given that the roster is already shaped in his vision and Kelly has established himself as an innovator? Or is that the scariest option?
