What if Chip Kelly never left Oregon for the Philadelphia Eagles?
By Logan Shaw
Nov 16, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly talks to wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) in the fourth quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
What would this mean for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Now this is where it gets fun…
During Kelly’s run in Philadelphia, the Eagles have gone 20-12 under Kelly. The season before Kelly’s arrival, the Eagles went 4-12. Kelly had them back in the playoffs and began changing the NFL as we know it.
So, what if the Eagles hadn’t signed Kelly away from the Ducks? Where would they have gone with their head coaching search? Would Bruce Arians be coaching in Philadelphia now?
Okay, let’s just say Arians decided to coach the Philadelphia Eagles over the Arizona Cardinals back in 2013. Would DeSean Jackson still be wearing the green and black? LeSean McCoy?
Kelly has gained lots of power in Philadelphia. I believe that’s one of the main things that swayed him towards Philadelphia, that and he didn’t have to recruit, anymore. Kelly likes what he likes. He wants guys that will buy into his system and succeed, but what does this mean for Jackson and McCoy?
You’d think that both of these guys would be the ideal fit for Kelly’s offense, right? They’re quick, fast, agile, whatever adjective you’d describe Oregon’s offense under Kelly, they were it. So, what was the deal?
Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) and Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Eagles won 49-20. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Well, Jackson wasn’t the best all-around “Kelly guy”. According to NJ.com, the team had “serious concerns” about Jackson’s work ethic, attitude and connection to a Los Angeles gang and released him last year.
Jackson was signed by the division rival Washington Redskins and had 56 catches for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns in his first season.
McCoy’s exit was a little cleaner than Jackson’s, but it was more of a surprise. McCoy was traded for Buffalo Bill and former Oregon linebacker, Kiko Alonso one year removed from leading the NFL in rushing.
Why? Well, Yahoo reports show that McCoy’s cap number was $10.25 million. Other reports from philly.com say that McCoy and Kelly’s relationship was a little strained this season.
In Kelly’s defense, running backs tend to have a short lifespan in the NFL, and if Kelly’s offensive system is so great, why couldn’t they be just as good without McCoy with a cheaper option at running back?
Next: Would McCoy and Jackson still be Eagles?