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How the Eagles Landed Chip Kelly on Their Second Attempt
By Kyle Scott
Published:
Photoshop again via (@PhillySportsLive)
So, how did this all come together?
Not unlike the stealthy way the Phillies landed Cliff Lee in December, 2010.
It had been rumored that Chip Kelly wanted complete control over a team if he went to the NFL, something many thought would be difficult in Philadelphia given Jeffrey Lurie’s love affair with Howie Roseman. But, it seems Roseman is the one who sealed the deal to get Kelly to come to Philadelphia.
According to reports from Eagles beat writers Jeff McLane, Les Bowen and Geoff Mosher, Kelly wavered on his commitment to Oregon even after it was reported that he would return to coach there. On January 8, the same day the Eagles interviewed ND’s Brian Kelly (who, oddly, was spotted in South Philadelphia today) in Nashville and just two days after Chip Kelly’s flirtation with the NFL had seemingly ended, contact was reestablished. A mutual friend reconnected Roseman with Kelly, who was apparently having second thoughts about staying at Oregon. Roseman and Kelly’s agent, David Dunn, stayed in contact until talks heated up, reportedly on Saturday, and a deal was agreed to late last night, after Gus Bradley left Lurie’s house.
Bowen reports that the Eagles were prepared to hire Bradley if Kelly declined a second time. But he didn’t, and Bradley was on a private jet to Jacksonville this morning.
Credit Roseman, that expert talent evaluator he is (…), with getting this done. It’s not the first time that he’s crept into the market late at night and stolen a valuable commodity. Two years ago, he swiped Nnamdi Asomugha from teams such as the Cowboys and Jets (you really can’t blame the Eagles for Asomugha sucking). Now it’s Chip Kelly, the guy the Birds wanted all along. The guy who will undoubtedly bring the most excitement back to Eagles football.
…
Some Chip Kelly reading:
What to expect from Chip Kelly as Eagles coach
Chip Kelly will be the most scrutinized NFL coach we've seen in a long time
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.