What they're saying about new Eagles coach Chip Kelly
What the local and national media is saying about the Eagles hiring Chip Kelly as head coach:
"In four seasons, Kelly accumulated a 46-7 record and guided Oregon to four consecutive BCS bowl berths and three conference championships, including a 35-17 win against Kansas State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl." [University of Oregon website]
"Chip Kelly is going to the Eagles, in the stunning news that dropped on Wednesday afternoon. And he's about to become the most-scrutinized NFL coach we've seen in a long time. That's not to say that Kelly deserves the scrutiny or that he can't handle the scrutiny. But all eyes are going to be on Kelly in Philly for a number of reasons." [Will Brinson, CBS Sports]
"This was a flailing, desperate hire. Various league sources say the Eagles caved in terms of money and power. They will deny this, but it's absolutely true. Kelly got massive say in personnel." [Mike Freeman, National NFL Insider]
"It’s true that Kelly has zero experience as an NFL coach, but that doesn’t mean he’s been disconnected from the pro game. Kelly has met with Bill Belichick multiple times over the years and helped shape aspects of the Patriots’ offense." [Sheil Kapada, Philly Mag]
"Chip Kelly may not duplicate what he does at Oregon – the vast majority of college games are played against teams with inferior talent and depth. It’s unlikely he’d go for two points so frequently in the NFL. Yet he can apply the principles while using his own acumen to shape the offense around the talent he has. The man is smart, frighteningly smart. Smart enough to be flexible and work with what he has." [Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports]
"By landing Kelly, the Eagles didn't just add one of the most coveted coaches on any level, they effectively ended speculation that their franchise was not an attractive one for top coaching candidates." [Comcast SportsNet]
"Never liked Chip Kelly and thought he was intimidated with coming into NFL. He can always get good players every year in college. Not in NFL" [Howard Eskin via Twitter]
"Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles. 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." [Jeffrey Lurie via ESPN]
"Kelly will bring an innovative, up-tempo offense to the NFL. (First question for Kelly: Will he keep Michael Vick?) It's an offense that includes a lot of change of direction and unpredictability. I'm not sure what the Kelly era is going to be like in Philadelphia, but Eagles fans can get ready for a wild ride." [Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com]
"When at first people hear 'spread offense,' they think about throwing the ball 50-60 times a game. The thing you've always preached - and you did it last year - was balance." [Urban Meyer to Chip Kelly]
"Say what you will about Kelly, but he’s a smart coach. When he took inventory of this current roster he undoubtedly took note of its talent at running back. Given his propensity to run the football and that both Bryce Brown and LeSean McCoy possess dynamic skill sets as runners, one would think Kelly will lean on the run game more than the outgoing regime." [Inside the Iggles]
"The Eagles have moved from 30-1 to 22-1 to win next year's Super Bowl in wake of Chip Kelly signing." [Joe Fortenbraugh via Twitter]
"All along, despite sticking with their search, I'm told Eagles communicated to Chip Kelly he was their No. 1 priority. For the past week." [Ian Rappaport via Twitter]
"Jeff Lurie sitting interviewing Gus Bradley. Phone rings. Chip Kelly's number. Awkward." [Spike Eskin via Twitter]
"Tebow wouldn’t make the Eagles a Super Bowl contender – heck, I don’t think anyone will with that defense – but he would certainly help Kelly and the Eagles run the type of offense he ran in college." [Rant Sports]
"Dear Chip, we are glad you're staying at the University of Oregon... We are glad you are pretty happy. We love you..." [Letter to Kelly from 5-year-old fan, KPTV Oregon]
