Lane Johnson: Chip Kelly let ego get in way, became ‘dictator’

A day after Chip Kelly was ousted by the Philadelphia Eagles, more details have emerged about what led the team to make the move.

For the past few years we have heard some of the complaints players have had about Kelly. Players have complained that he works them too hard through a grueling season. LeSean McCoy said that Kelly did not like or respect star players.

Now Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who was Kelly’s first ever draft pick, has gone on the record about some of his issues with the team’s former head coach.

“Maybe the ego got in the way,” Johnson said of Kelly Wednesday via Philly.com. “Too much power. Control. Not being human about things; not working together, with the team, instead of being a dictator.”

Johnson said the tension in the front office trickled down to the team and could be felt throughout the organization (Kelly eventually won a power struggle with GM Howie Roseman in early 20115 and then took over the team’s personnel).

According to Philly.com, Johnson also said Kelly didn’t listen to complaints or criticism from players. What’s more is that when people complained or criticized, they were punished or released.

Johnson also spoke about Kelly’s fast-paced offense and questioned how viable the scheme is because of how tough it is on linemen. He said it was brutal on his body to work that quickly all offseason, during practices, and throughout a 16-game season.

Johnson’s comments echo the remarks from this anonymous player, who cited Kelly’s inflexibility as one of the coach’s biggest problems.