After being ejected from the Philadelphia Eagles and then signing on with a flailing San Francisco 49ers organization, could Chip Kelly’s NFL career be over after this season?
That’s what CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora is hearing. He’s reporting that “several coaches” believe Kelly will “hit the eject button after this season” and could be looking to get back into the college game.
Additionally, many in the NFL are apparently none too impressed with his offense, which was hyped up to no end before he entered the league.
“He just keeps running the same s– and it isn’t fooling anybody,” one NFL executive said. “Do you think they could bring him back to Oregon?”
Kelly’s offense was successful, at least in terms of overall yardage, his first three years. The Philadelphia Eagles ranked No. 2, No. 5 and then No. 12 from 2013-15.
Now with the 49ers, Kelly’s offense is sputtering, thanks to the fact he has not had any competent quarterback play. San Francisco ranks No. 28 in total offense, though it should be pointed out the 49ers do rank No. 5 in rushing yards per game.
Does the overall decline in each of his first four years have to do with the league figuring out Kelly’s offense? Or is the problem less defined than that? We’ve pondered the situation and have come to the conclusion that, with a good quarterback, the offense would be much more dangerous (shocking, we know).
It does seem like Kelly would be foolish to leave after 2016, especially given the situation the 49ers are in right now. Set to compete for the top pick of the 2017 NFL Draft they’re in prime position to land a top quarterback, who Kelly would have the privilege of molding.
But perhaps, if he did get a tempting phone call from a top college school, Kelly could decide the NFL is just too tough a nut to crack. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks.