Chip Kelly downplays college rumors

If we’re not successful and we’re not winning, (the talk will be that) I came from college and I’m going to go back to college.

Chip Kelly praised Tom Coughlin on Thursday as he tried to bat down rumors he’ll end up back in college. Though the Eagles coach could make an ideal successor, he hasn’t been contacted about the job, saying, “No” when asked if he was on the list of potential candidates to fill the vacancy. And yes, continue is the right word because Thursday’s questions about USC weren’t the first. I don’t think Jason Kelce is concerned that my name came up with a college.

This time, when asked about USC, Kelly went for flattery over humor to defuse the situation.

“I understand that it’s gonna happen. I think he is concerned about going against (Giants defensive coordinator) Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which is first-and-foremost for our team right now”.

So here’s a suggestion: No more asking him. Sure, he’s 2-3 this season. The offense has been particularly inept, and given that Kelly took over personnel duties in January, he’s the target for any and all criticism related to the team’s struggles. The only way to silence them, he said, was to be so successful in the National Football League that the idea of leaving would seem ridiculous.

The Eagles spent big money. Then, there were accusations hurled his way by former players, namely McCoy, that he’s a bit of a racist.

Kelly was referring to Sarkisian, who is dealing with an alcohol problem. The USC job opened when Steve Sarkisian was sacked on Tuesday amid reports that he was coaching while intoxicted. I wish him the best. But it’s not like Kelly should feel like he can’t succeed in the NFL.

“It’s an unfortunate part of the game”, he continued.

But it also doesn’t mean the speculation will stop. Heck, owner Jeff Lurie might even do it for him. The Eagles aren’t going to run Kelly out of town. There are plenty of questions to ask on that front.