DeMarco Murray’s infamous airplane conversation with Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie may have sealed Chip Kelly’s fate.
Reports circulated earlier this month that Murray spoke with Lurie to voice some concerns about Kelly. The report said Murray talked with Lurie to address issues he had with the offense. It was around that time that Murray’s carries and role diminished.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport expounded on that Tuesday after Kelly was fired:
Among the things DeMarco Murray told owner Jeffrey Lurie weeks ago was that he had no confidence in Chip Kelly as head coach, I'm told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 30, 2015
If Murray said that to Lurie, that would probably have alarmed the owner. It also wouldn’t be surprising to hear Murray said that because a report stated he didn’t think Kelly was approachable.
When you combine Murray’s feelings about Kelly with Jason Peters’ perceived lack of respect for the coach, team leadership had to take notice. Then when Kelly reportedly balked at ceding control of team personnel, ownership was probably convinced it was time to let him go.
Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
