Merry Christmas? Chip Kelly Reportedly Isn't Going Anywhere
Despite months of rumors and speculation, Chip Kelly is likely to be back with the Eagles next season, according to team and league sources, and ownership has no plans to move on from him. If Kelly were to depart — and college does have a certain allure to him, though it would have to be the perfect situation — it would come as a surprise at this point. The coach reiterated his dedication to his players last week and owner Jeffrey Lurie is still a strong proponent of Kelly.
Lurie, though aware of some of the discord in his locker room, is not mulling a change at this point, even after two blowout losses the last two weeks, according to sources close to the owner, and that is unlikely to change down the stretch. Lurie is very loyal and believes in Kelly long-term, even if players have their concerns, and he did not hand Kelly total control to the roster a few months ago to consider launching a new search for a coach and GM now. That process holds no attraction for him, and while he is displeased by the disappointing results the last three weeks and Kelly’s inability to identify a quarterback of the future, he remains optimistic that a quick change could be on the horizon, particularly in a division as suspect as the NFC East.
Hmm. This report seems to have a bit more weight, and more sources, than any reports, conjecture, or inbox-flashing we’ve seen about Kelly leaving. Sources close to the owner sounds a lot like, well, the owner to me.
La Canfora has an intersting history with Eagles front office reporting. Two years ago, it was his report, about Howie Roseman being drunk with power, that led to Joe Banner vehemently denying that he was the source. So it seems there’s someone – the owner or otherwise – in the front office that doles out to La Canfora.