Chip Kelly shoots down USC rumors

Chip Kelly has heard the rumors about him possibly becoming the next head coach at USC, and he took a few minutes to address them on Thursday. Not surprisingly, Kelly insists it is not happening.

When asked if he has been contacted by any colleges about head coaching jobs, Kelly shook his head and said “no.” He added that he understands the speculation but hopes to find enough success at the NFL level to keep his job.

“I understand that it’s gonna happen. We’re not successful, we’re not winning, I came from college and I’m gonna go back to college,” Kelly said, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “I hope some day to be like Coach (Tom) Coughlin and win enough games where I can stay around long enough where that speculation ends. But I understand you have to ask the question. I answered it the same way a year ago, I answered it the same way my first year.”

On a more personal level, Kelly expressed concern for former USC coach Steve Sarkisian and all he has been going through.

“It’s an unfortunate part of the game, and the other unfortunate part is there are people who have lost their jobs,” the Eagles coach said. “Somebody, a friend of mine in Steve Sarkisian, is dealing with a big issue right now, and I wish him the best.”

Kelly would almost certainly consider taking a job like USC if the Eagles fired him, and you have to wonder if that’s possible given the recent report we shared with you. That said, the Eagles are 2-3 and by no means out of contention. Kelly’s top priority is winning at the NFL level. If he can do that, there’s no reason Philly won’t keep him around.