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The Oregon Ducks are looking to fill the hole in their coaching staff with a familiar face. According to Oregonian columnist John Canzano, the Ducks are seriously pursuing former Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Canzano tweeted the news Thursday afternoon.
This just in — the Oregon Ducks have asked for permission to speak with UCLA coach Chip Kelly about their fooball coaching vacancy, per University of Oregon source.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) December 9, 2021
The messy transition for the Miami Hurricanes head coach position caused the Ducks' coaching vacancy. Former Ducks coach Mario Cristobal was given the Miami position, while Manny Diaz was still the head coach of the team. Diaz was eventually fired, Cristobal became the Hurricanes head coach, and the Ducks were left coachless.
It didn't take long for Oregon to start their search for a coach. They are starting out strong, with a request to speak to UCLA head coach. Chip Kelly. He spent a large portion of his college coaching career as the head coach of the Ducks from 2007 to 2012.
Their relationship ended when Kelly eventually chose the NFL over his NCCA team. Kelly coached from 2013-2016 in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. His NFL head coaching career ended and Kelly reverted back to the NCAA. Since 2018, he has been the leader of the UCLA Bruins.
What does this mean for the future of UCLA, Oregon, and Kelly? Well, there is a possibility that Kelly takes Oregon up on their offer. Before leaving the Ducks for the NFL in 2013, Kelly rejected a big time NFL job to stick with his team. He declined the head coach position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. That being said, Kelly could still have that soft spot in his heart for the Ducks, and might want to pick up where they left off.
If things don't work out between Kelly and the Ducks, there are a few other options for Oregon to consider.
