Reports: Decision to Fire Chip Was Made After a One-on-One Meeting Today

My first thought when the Chip Kelly firing announcement was made just over two hours ago was “why now?” Why before week 17? Why right after a practice day? Why not after the season ended? According to multiple reports, Jeff and Chip had a meeting today, and it didn’t exactly go super well. From Jay Glazer:

Just talked to Chip Kelly, disappointed how it ended but knows it’s a results-oriented biz. Insists he wants to remain in the NFL, not college. Was pulled into mtg w owner, said he didn’t fight the decision.

And from Jeff McLane:

Hearing that Jeffrey Lurie had a meeting with Chip Kelly today that didn't go well. A decision was then made to fire him in the afternoon.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 30, 2015

Jeffrey Lurie apparently spoke to a few players before making the decision, although several I've contacted so far said they weren't one.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 30, 2015

That lends credence to the reports that Kelly was asked to give up personnel control willingly and thought “nah.” Jeff then showed Chip who exactly wields the big balls around here.