Chip Kelly is a new-era coach with new-era methods. His incredibly fast-paced offense is one example of that, as is Kelly’s method for skirting NFL rules during offseason workouts.
During “Phase One” of OTAs, only full-time strength and conditioning coaches are allowed to be present for team workouts. Head coaches and assistant coaches aren’t allowed on the field until “Phase Two,” but Kelly has found a way to be there without being there. He uses a remote control car.
Last week, seventh-round draft pick Beau Allen revealed that Kelly first introduced himself to him via a toy car.
“I was sitting and waiting to go in and meet with [Howie Roseman] and all the front office guys, and Coach Kelly was driving around a little remote control car — they use it out on the field because they can’t do motions — and he drove it right into me and was like, ‘Oh, hey Beau, how are you doing?’” Allen explained, per Tim McManus of Philadelphia Magazine. “And I was like, ‘Hey, Coach.’”
Kelly uses the remote control car to simulate an offensive back in motion so he and his coaches can study defensive players and see how they react. He’s not actually present at practice or workouts, but he’s getting all the information he needs by using technology. Slick moves, Chip.
