Sports
Former Eagles Coach Chip Kelly Lands New Job
Chip Kelly wasn't unemployed for long. Plus, the Eagles suffered a blow to their own search for a new coach.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Fired after leading the Eagles to a losing 6-9 season - or after asking the franchise owner to reschedule a holiday party to accommodate the team’s practice - Chip Kelly wasn’t unemployed for long.
The San Francisco 49ers announced they had hired Kelly as their new head coach on Thursday afternoon.
“Chip has a proven track record at both the college and NFL levels that speaks for itself,” CEO Jed York said on Thursday. “We believe strongly that he is the right man to get this team back to competing for championships. I look forward to watching Trent and Chip work closely to build a team that will make us all proud.”
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Kelly will become the 20th head coach in 49ers history.
>>Holiday Party Mishap May Have Contributed To Kelly’s Firing
Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Whitemarshfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“As one of the most historic franchises in the National Football League, I realize the high standards and expectations that this position demands and I embrace the challenges ahead,” Kelly said in a statement. “My immediate focus is to build the best coaching staff possible, one that will maximize the abilities of each of our players and put us in the best position to win football games.”
In three seasons with the Eagles, Kelly compiled a 27-21 record, leading the Eagles to the playoffs in his first year.
The Eagles, meanwhile, received different news: former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, who had been considered the front runner for the job, pulled his name from consideration. He cited concern that there would not be a viable staff behind him, especially an experienced offensive coordinator.
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Doug Pederson, the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, is considered the new front runner. The Chiefs are currently in the playoffs and Pederson could not be hired until the postseason is officially over.
Pederson works under former Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who mans the Chiefs.
Image courtesy San Francisco 49ers.
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