Report: USC interested in Chip Kelly, Sean Payton
Two NFL head coaches are reportedly interested in the vacant job at USC.
The opening at USC is drawing interest from Philadelphia Eagles head coach and former Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, according to NFL Media Insider, Ian Rapoport.
Kelly is in his third season as the head coach of the Eagles and has been linked to the job since the moment Pat Haden terminated Steve Sarkisian on Monday. After going 46-7 in four years at Oregon, Kelly is the best college football coach not coaching in college. He’s on record saying he hasn’t had any contact with USC, but that doesn’t mean his agent hasn’t had any contact.
“Of course the Eagles coach had so much success in college,” Rapoport reported Sunday. “I am told he would have some interest in the USC job. Although a source close to him points out Chip Kelly really likes to be liked and wanted so that may be driving some of his interest.”
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So according to Rapoport, Kelly would have some interest but he could have more interest in just having people interested in him. If things turn sour in Philadelphia this year, perhaps there will be more interest a month from now. He went 10-6 in his first two seasons but is 2-3 entering Week 6.
As for Payton, there have been rumors other NFL teams could pursue him this year, but if USC wanted him, they wouldn’t have to offer any compensation to the Saints and Rapoport mentions his daughter at Pepperdine as a reason why it makes sense for Payton to have interest in USC.
“Sean Payton from the Saints. I am told USC does have some interest in him,” Rapoport reported. “Would not be surprised if they contacted him. Payton would like to see his kids. He goes to Dallas to see his son play football every weekend. His daughter goes to school at Pepperdine so there would be some family ties. I’m also told after this year Payton is expected to consider other opportunities.”
Payton has been the head coach of the Saints since 2006 and has a career record of 82-50 and won Super Bowl XLIV.
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