Chip Kelly will be the new head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced on its website.
Kelly had earlier announced his intention to stay with the University of Oregon Ducks.
Kelly met with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, team president Don Smolenski and general manager Howie Roseman early in the head coach search in Arizona after the Fiesta Bowl for almost nine hours, the team reported.
The release indicated that Kelly evaluated the situation and changed his mind.
“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles,” said Lurie. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team.”
This will be Kelly’s first head coaching job in the NFL. That had led to concerns as his name was mentioned as a successor to Andy Reid, who was fired after 14 seasons. Reid is now coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49-year-old Kelly, a bachelor, has been with the University of Oregon since 2007, including the last four years as head coach. Kelly compiled a 46-7 record as head coach of the Ducks and became known for innovative offenses.
