Eugene, OR

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly has decided to stay with the Ducks, skipping another chance to mentor in the NFL.

Courted by several teams, Kelly looked ready make a jump to the NFL but later changed his mind after long meetings with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cleveland Browns.

It was reported that Oregon booster and Nike co-founder Phil Knight made a strong push to keep Kelly with the Ducks.

A source said that Knight played a substantial role in Kelly's decision to stay with the Ducks.

Kelly recently led the second-ranked Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl title after beating the Kansas State Wildcats.

Last year, Kelly also pondered a move to the NFL, entertaining an offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but later changed his mind, saying the college ranks were a better fit.

With Kelly's decision, the Eagles and the Browns are back to square one in their search for a new coach.

Aside from Kelly, the Browns and Eagles were eyeing Doug Marrone but they were beaten to the punch by the Buffalo Bills.

Another coaching prospect, Penn State's Bill O'Brien, has decided to stay with the Nittany Lions.

The Eagles also interviewed Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

Philadelphia is also eyeing Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

The Browns, for their part, met with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton and former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

 

Chip Kelly to Stay with Oregon

 

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