UPDATED: Chip Kelly has turned down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaching job, and will remain at Oregon.
According to Footballscoop.com Oregon head coach Chip Kelly has agreed to become the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The first rumors about Kelly and Tampa were reported by Michael Berk of KGW TV in Portland, late Sunday night.
“Tampa Bay Bucs: Multiple reports are circulating that Chip Kelly will be named the Bucs next head coach. We have now confirmed. ”
At the time several recruits were expected to be visiting Kelly, including Shaq Thompson, who is also being recruited by Washington, Cal and Oregon among other Pac-12 schools. While it was only qualified as a rumor, several sources began to confirm the rumors and then talks about possible replacements surfaced.
Texas Christian’s Gary Patterson and Boise State’s Chris Peterson were the first two names to be confirmed.
While nothing has been confirmed by the University, thoughts are that both Peterson and Patterson would be the likely candidates to replace Kelly. Kelly, did however confirm that all Sacramento-area recruiting visits have been cancelled. With signing day two weeks away the question becomes why would Kelly leave a program he was deeply undoubted to just before signing day?
The NCAA is currently investigating Oregon regarding the use of recruiting services of Willie Lyles and Houston-based Complete Scouting Services. While being under investigation Kelly led the Ducks to their first Rose Bowl in 95 years, knocking off No.10 Wisconsin 45-38.
No reports have come out with the amount of years, or dollars, in regards to Kelly’s contract with Tampa Bay. Chip Kelly becomes the latest college, and more specifically the latest Pac-12 coach to bolt to the NFL. Pete Carroll left USC in 2010 for the Seattle Seahawks, and Jim Harbaugh left Stanford for the 49ers this past season.
While Carroll and Harbaugh are more typical head coaches, Kelly is an up-tempo, spread offense, coach which doesn’t fit in the NFL. Why Tampa tabbed Kelly, surely will be known when he’s introduced.
I will update when more information is known.
UPDATE: Adam Jude oph the Register-Guard is reporting that Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich is a strong candidate to become the head coach.
UPDATE: According to SportsByBrooks: “I can confirm Chip Kelly is already assembling a coaching staff for the Bucs – from a source w/ direct knowledge of process.”
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