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You couldn’t help but think there was more to the story of Chip Kelly leaving Oregon. With the school under investigation for potential violations, Kelly decided to leave and take the head coaching job with the Philadelphia Eagles. It just seemed odd, though, because he had reportedly already turned down the team and decided to stay at Oregon. But for whatever reason, he changed his mind, and he’s now an NFL head coach.
The rest of us knew it was only going to be a matter of time before the NCAA came down on the Ducks, and of course Kelly would be watching from afar, with no real concerns when it happened. Penalties were indeed handed down this past week, but they weren’t nearly as harsh as most anticipated. Oregon received a big ol’ slap on the wrist by being placed on three-year probation, and by losing three total scholarships. Kelly, among others, were found guilty of not properly monitoring the team. That’s it.
So it begs the question – does Kelly know more, and are worse things still to come for the Ducks?
I can’t help but think that’s the case, because the whole situation still seems fishy. Kelly just didn’t come across as a guy who wanted to coach in the NFL, and he proved that by turning down several pro jobs. Then all of sudden he changed his mind and headed for Philly…
I hope there’s nothing more to the story, and that Kelly was just looking for a new coaching challenge, but I won’t be a bit surprised if the Ducks are in the news again in the near future. Regardless, there will still be no ramifications for Kelly.
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