Where Chip Kelly could land next
— -- After three seasons, Chip Kelly is out as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Who might come calling -- and what jobs would pique Kelly's interest? Here are a few possibilities.
Tennessee Titans: Kelly has never hidden his affection for Marcus Mariota. Before the 2015 draft, he tried to trade up to acquire his former quarterback but couldn't put together a good enough deal. Tennessee could look to reunite the pair that was so successful together at Oregon.
Cleveland Browns: They showed interest in Kelly before he took the Eagles job. While Johnny Manziel's future in Cleveland seems uncertain, it's worth noting that Kelly recruited him heavily at Oregon before Manziel landed at Texas A&M. If the Browns want to hang on to Manziel and give him a legitimate chance to be a starter, Kelly could make sense.
Indianapolis Colts: If Chuck Pagano is let go, this would likely become the most attractive job on the market. Kelly struggled to find a franchise quarterback in Philadelphia, going from Michael Vick to Nick Foles to Sam Bradford. He would likely love to work with Andrew Luck, but then again, what candidate wouldn't? Is Kelly the type of coach that would interest owner Jim Irsay?
USC Trojans: USC promoted Clay Helton and gave him a five-year contract, but there was some reported interest in the then-Eagles coach. Kelly has had success in the Pac-12 and would thrive as a recruiter in the Los Angeles area.
LSU Tigers: The school came close to dumping Les Miles, and while Florida State's Jimbo Fisher might be the best fit, Kelly would be well received in the Bayou because of his dynamic offense.
UCLA Bruins: Things seem to be trending downward for Jim Mora, who may jump to the NFL if an opportunity arises. Kelly could flourish in the Los Angeles market and would inherit a top quarterback in Josh Rosen.
Auburn Tigers: The shine is off Gus Malzahn, and Kelly, while similar in style, represents an upgrade for what he did at Oregon. Plus, he would inherit players who suit his system.
Texas A&M Aggies: Kevin Sumlin's future is murky after two highly touted quarterbacks transferred this month. Kelly's success with in-state recruiting would make him an intriguing candidate.
Texas Longhorns: Doubts linger about the school's commitment to Charlie Strong. Kelly recruited the state well at Oregon, and his system is more aligned with the Texas high school scene.
Wild card: One thing that is certain is Kelly won't stay away from the game. He's a football junkie who has routinely spent vacation time visiting with coaches around the country, trying to glean information and develop new ideas. He has friends like Urban Meyer and Bill Belichick in both the college and NFL ranks. If things don't work out for him right away as a head coach, he could sign on for a consulting gig.
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