Perhaps the biggest move of the coaching hiring cycle is the one that wasn’t made.
Per multiple reports, Oregon coach Chip Kelly is staying in Oregon.
The move comes a day after Kelly spent multiple hours meeting with the Eagles, and two days after he reportedly was close to becoming the next coach of the Browns.
It’s the second straight year that Kelly nearly has left Oregon for the NFL, and the question becomes whether the NFL opportunity will keep knocking. At some point, NFL teams won’t waste their time trying to hire him.
At some point, Kelly’s Favre-ish indecision could impact recruiting in a negative way. For now, Kelly’s choice to stay in Oregon will surely help seal the deal for the coming class who will be able to sign their letters of intent early next month.
For now, some league insiders believe that Kelly and his agent, David Dunn, overplayed their hand and were forced to save face. Others believe Kelly simply wasn’t ready to leave the college game. If he isn’t ready now, he may never be.
