Chip Kelly - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Chip Kelly, 49ers

November 6th, 2016 at 12:30pm CST by Rory Parks

Several weeks ago, 49ers head coach Chip Kelly refuted reports indicating that he was interested in returning to the college ranks and that he would entertain offers from big-time collegiate programs. Today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Kelly was not just offering an empty, company-line denial of such rumors. Instead, colleges that privately have made overtures to Kelly’s representatives have been told in no uncertain terms that Kelly is not interested in leaving San Francisco.

Kelly signed a four-year, $24MM contract to become the 49ers’ head coach this past offseason, and his first year on the job has not been a fun one. The Niners are 1-6 and are clearly in rebuilding mode, and if Kelly’s contract expires or if he is let go before the 49ers become a competitive club once again, he may not get another shot in the league. After all, although he enjoyed some initial success during his first NFL head coaching gig with the Eagles, he effectively ran himself out of town when he tried to assume too much control of Philadelphia’s operations.

Of course, even if his NFL star has waned, his tremendous success at the collegiate level all but assures him of another prime opportunity with a college team if and when he does choose to return to campus life.

On a related note, and of particular interest given that the Saints and 49ers are set to square off today, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports that, when New Orleans head coach Sean Payton briefly considered moving on from the Saints after the 2015 season, the 49ers emerged as perhaps the most likely suitor for Payton’s services. Payton’s Saints are 3-4 after starting the season 0-3, and they are showing signs that they could be contenders again sooner rather than later.

Chip Kelly Denies Interest In NCAA Jobs

October 21st, 2016 at 6:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

49ers head coach Chip Kelly denied that he would entertain any notion of returning to the collegiate ranks after a report earlier this week indicated that Kelly might be interested in returning to the NCAA, as Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle details. “I’m not going anywhere,” said Kelly in response to the report.

On Wednesday, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported that several college head coaches believed that Kelly would leave the Bay Area after a single season in order to jump back to the NCAA. LSU, Penn State, Texas, and Oregon — where Kelly was previously the head coach — could all be looking for new coaches in the coming months.

In four seasons with the Ducks, Kelly posted a 46-7 record and appeared in a one National Championship game, a loss to Auburn. Since joining the NFL as the Eagles’ coach in 2013, Kelly has registered a 27-26 overall record, earning one playoff appearance during that stretch.

49ers’ Brass Divided On Colin Kaepernick

September 14th, 2016 at 5:13pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

There’s discord between 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly regarding the future of quarterback Colin Kaepernick, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Baalke wants to get rid of Kaepernick, while Kelly would like to keep the 28-year-old and help him develop into a quality option again.

Kelly drew career-best performances from signal-callers Nick Foles, Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez during his tenure as Philadelphia’s head coach from 2013-15. Along the way, however, Kelly was unable to coexist with the Eagles’ top executive, Howie Roseman, so his disagreement with Baalke over the 49ers’ most famous player is particularly notable.

Kaepernick, who’s making a guaranteed $11.9MM this year as part of a deal that runs through 2020, nearly exited San Francisco during the offseason. However, the Baalke-led 49ers and the team most interested in Kaepernick – the Broncos – weren’t able to agree to a trade. That left Kaepernick to compete with Blaine Gabbert for the 49ers’ starting job, but the latter won the role over the summer.

The majority of recent Kaepernick-related headlines haven’t focused on his status as the 49ers’ backup, though; instead, the decision he made during the preseason to no longer stand for the pregame national anthem has generated plenty of discussion, both in support of and in opposition to Kaepernick, and has led other NFLers to follow his lead. Kaepernick, who’s protesting against racial inequality in America, has drawn ire from other teams’ front office executives because of his choice, which could affect his value.

“I don’t want him anywhere near my team,” one front office executive told Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report last month. “He’s a traitor.”

That was a common sentiment among execs Freeman spoke to, as one estimated that upward of 90 percent of colleagues feel similarly.

On the field, Kaepernick has struggled over the past couple seasons after bursting on the scene as a second-year player in 2012. That season, the 2011 second-round pick from Nevada took over the 49ers’ starting QB job from Alex Smith late in the campaign and helped lead the club to a Super Bowl berth. In 2013, his first full year as a starter, the dual threat impressed again en route to a 12-win season that ended with a 23-20 defeat to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks in the NFC title game.

Kaepernick has fallen off since since his halycon days, but given Gabbert’s own lack of NFL success – not to mention his propensity to run, which could lead to injuries – it’s possible the former could once again take the reins as the 49ers’ starter this season. Kaepernick got into the 49ers’ 28-0 win over the Rams on Monday, misfiring on one fourth-quarter pass.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Notes: 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins, Vikings

May 25th, 2016 at 6:25pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

It doesn’t appear that new 49ers head coach Chip Kelly is ready to change his uptempo offensive ways. During the team period at OTAs on Wednesday, the 49ers ran 24 plays in an eight-minute span, good for one snap every 20 seconds, reports Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (on Twitter). As noted by Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk, Kelly’s taxing, fast-paced attack eventually wore out its welcome with some of his Eagles players during his three-season tenure in Philadelphia.

Here’s more on San Francisco and a few of its NFC counterparts:

One of Kelly’s players, safety Eric Reid, said Wednesday he’d like to sign a contract extension to remain with the 49ers for the long haul (link via Maiocco). San Francisco already has control over Reid through 2017, having picked up his fifth-year option earlier this month. General manager Trent Baalke stated in April that he’d be open to inking the 2013 first-rounder to an extension, though that was before the fifth-year option decision. The 24-year-old Reid has been a full-time starter for the 49ers since entering the league and has a Pro Bowl nod under his belt. He failed to record an interception last season, however, after piling up a combined seven during his initial two campaigns.
The Cowboys seem content with Kellen Moore serving as Tony Romo‘s primary backup this year, per head coach Jason Garrett (Twitter link via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “We just feel like Kellen has earned the right to compete for the No. 2 spot, and that’s what he’s doing,” said Garrett. In his first pro action last season, the 26-year-old Moore – a former Lion – appeared in three games, made two starts, and threw four touchdowns against six interceptions. It’s worth noting that the Cowboys visited with veteran passer Matt Moore earlier this offseason before he re-signed with Miami and also selected Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott in the fourth round of this year’s draft.
Master Tesfatsion of The Washington Post wonders where rookie inside linebacker Su’a Cravens will fit in the Redskins‘ defense. Listed as a safety coming out of USC, the Redskins used Cravens at inside linebacker during rookie minicamp. Going forward, it’s possible that Cravens can be used at linebacker, safety, or even nickel cornerback if necessary. Cravens’ label of “moneybacker” helped him vault up the boards in April, leading to his second-round selection in the draft.
Second-year Vikings defensive tackle B.J. Dubose tore his ACL during OTAs on Wednesday and will miss the 2016 season, according to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Dubose, a sixth-round pick from Louisville, hasn’t yet appeared in an NFL game.
In today’s mailbag, a reader asks Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com about the Lions‘ perceived lack of change at the running back position. While the Lions did not make a major splash, they did add veteran Stevan Ridley in free agency and Dwayne Washington in the draft. Washington, Twentyman writes, is a no-nonsense tailback who boasts big-play potential thanks to his size and speed. Those two backs will support incumbent starter Ameer Abdullah and pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

49ers Rumors: Baalke, Kelly, Kaepernick, Davis

April 21st, 2016 at 9:36am CST by Zachary Links

Here’s the latest out of San Francisco:

Despite reports to the contrary, 49ers GM Trent Baalke insists that he is on good terms with head coach Chip Kelly, as Cam Inman of The Mercury News writes. “I can tell you emphatically that is total B.S,” Baalke said. “That’s all I can say. We’ve had absolutely a wonderful start to this relationship. There’s really nothing else to say. He’s coaching ball. And we’re up there in the draft room going to work. It couldn’t be better.” Baalke will be presiding over his seventh draft with the 49ers next week. Kelly, hired this offseason, is his fourth coach in San Francisco.
The 49ers have yet to sit down with Colin Kaepernick to discuss a potential trade, as Inman writes. “I have not talked to him personally. Face-to face, no,” Baalke said Wednesday in a media session. “He’s been in Aspen or Vail or one of those Colorado areas rehabbing. So, no. I plan to sit down as soon as this thing (the draft) is over with, just like I am with a lot of these players. I haven’t seen 85 percent of these guys.” However, the GM has talked with Kaepernick over the phone. Meanwhile, a source tells Inman that while Kaepernick is not thrilled with the team’s front office, he has no issues with Kelly.
49ers right tackle Anthony Davis has yet to apply for reinstatement but Baalke says that even if he did, it would not impact the 49ers’ draft strategy (via Inman).

Extra Points: Jack, Fitzpatrick, 49ers, Texans

April 16th, 2016 at 12:38pm CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted notes from around the NFL on this Saturday afternoon…

Former NFL team physician David J. Chao tweeted that he wouldn’t be surprised if NFL prospect Myles Jack falls in the draft due to medical concerns. While the linebacker has recovered from a meniscus tear, Chao notes that there will still be worries of articular cartilage.
If the Jets make a move into the top-10 to select either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini is skeptical that Ryan Fitzpatrick would want to return. By giving up an assortment of assets, the team would essentially be handing the rookie quarterback the keys to the organization. However, Cimini notes that the Jets could also take the unconventional route and let their young signal-caller sit on the bench.
There are already rumblings that 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly aren’t getting along. However, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee isn’t buying these rumors, noting that the pair looked relatively “chummy” at a recent pro day.
The Texans have interest in Oklahoma wideout Sterling Shepard, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. The senior compiled 86 catches for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final season at Baylor. Houston has also expressed interest in Baylor receiver Corey Coleman and Notre Dame wideout Will Fuller.

NFC Notes: Washington, 49ers, Bears

March 26th, 2016 at 11:12am CST by Ben Levine

Washington probably isn’t done adding free agents, but coach Jay Gruden hinted that we may not see any official transactions until after the draft.

“I think there’s a lot of reasons for that,” Gruden told Washington reporter Rich Tandler of CSNMidAtlantic.com. “You don’t want to go crazy signing a bunch of backs and then draft one and have to cut them anyway. So I think we want to find out exactly where we stand after the draft.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the NFC…

Gruden acknowledged that Washington let go of “a heck of a running back” by allowing veteran Alfred Morris to sign elsewhere. As NFL.com’s Kevin Patra writes, the team will now have to rely on second-year running back Matt Jones. “We need him to protect the ball a little bit more,” Gruden said. “He’s a big, strong, powerful back that I think can handle the workload; time will tell on that. We’re taking a bit of a gamble here, but based on our professional opinion, we believe he can handle it and be very, very effective at it, toting the rock.”
With rumors surrounding 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, head coach Chip Kelly was quick to hand out praise to the team’s other signal-caller: Blaine Gabbert. “[I’m] impressed with Blaine,” Kelly said (via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com). “You watch him the last couple of games he started. He’s another guy, you look at his skill set…He’s big. I’d never really dealt with Blaine because he came into the league before I came into the league, but just how big and physical and impressive he is. He’s a 6-4, 245-pound guy that can really run. I thought the last part of the season he played really well. It’ll be intriguing to work with him, too.”
The Bears could use a young speed rusher off the edge, opines Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Lamarr Houston, Willie Young and Pernell McPhee showed an ability to get to the quarterback, but Biggs notes that the trio used their strength to get past the opposition. The writer would prefer the team brings in a quicker lineman.

NFC Rumors: Kelly, Eagles, Randle, Cowboys

March 23rd, 2016 at 10:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Chip Kelly told Philadelphia-area media, including Jeff McLane of Philly.com, he didn’t communicate directly with Howie Roseman last season before being fired by the Eagles. The current 49ers coach said owner Jeffrey Lurie constructed an arrangement where the then-demoted Roseman sent messages to the then-empowered Kelly through player personnel VP Ed Marynowitz.

Kelly also asserted he didn’t control the contracts given to Byron Maxwell and DeMarco Murray, with the three-year Eagles coach telling media Roseman, who has since traded both players, constructed those deals.

“I wasn’t the personnel guy. I was in charge of the 90-man roster,” Kelly said. “But I didn’t negotiate and say this guy gets this amount of money and that guy gets that amount of money. And Ed was the one who ran our personnel department. That really fell on Ed’s shoulders in terms of how he handled everything. And Ed communicated with him all the time.

Here’s some more on the Eagles and news from some additional NFC teams.

Former Eagles first-round linebacker Marcus Smith will move to defensive end in Jim Schwartz‘s 4-3 scheme, Zach Berman of Philly.com reports. Doug Pederson told media, including Berman, his linebackers right now will consist of Mychal Kendricks on the weak side, Jordan Hicks in the middle and Nigel Bradham on the strong side.
The Vikings inquired about Rueben Randle early in free agency, Darren Wolfson of KSTP tweets, but no substantial interest materialized prior to Randle choosing to trek to Philadelphia.
The Giants, however, had no interest in re-signing Randle, Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger tweets. John Mara said last week the Giants were going to seek receiving help, but the market has been mostly raided in terms of notable first-time free agents. Veterans Roddy White, Marques Colston and Percy Harvin remain unsigned.
The Cowboys are expected meet with Paxton Lynch again before the draft after doing so in a productive meeting today, NFL.com’s Rand Getlin tweets. Dallas is allotted 30 visits with prospects.
Washington safety Kyshoen Jarrett‘s status is uncertain for this season, with Jay Gruden telling media — including JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com — he’s “very concerned” about the lack of strength in Jarrett’s shoulder presently. A key backup and part-time starter as a rookie last season, Jarrett was injured in Week 17 against the Cowboys.

Zach Links contributed to this report

Draft Notes: Browns, 49ers, Dolphins, Titans

March 19th, 2016 at 12:10pm CST by Ben Levine

The Browns were in attendance for Cal quarterback Jared Goff‘s Pro Day, but Zac Jackson of ProFootballTalk.com notes that the team made the prospect go through an additional workout.

Associate head coach Pep Hamilton reportedly drenched several footballs with water and asked Goff to make additional throws. The request makes sense, as Cleveland can have unpredictable weather during the football season.

“Growing up in California, I’m sure they wanted to see that,” Goff said. “It makes sense. But at the same time I’ve played in cold weather before. I wouldn’t be the first quarterback from California to play in cold weather. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have done pretty well. They’ve been able to do it.”

Let’s take a look at some more draft notes from around the league…

49ers coach Chip Kelly was also in attendance at the California Pro Day to watch Goff, tweets ESPN’s Michelle Steele.
Florida International cornerback Richard Leonard and Kansas running back De’Andre Mann will work out for the Dolphins, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson told reporters that it would take a “substantial amount of picks” for the team to consider trading the number-one selection in the draft (via Titans Online’s Jim Wyatt on Twitter).

Extra Points: 49ers, Steelers, Vikings, Texans

March 13th, 2016 at 10:24pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Despite having the second-most spending room in the NFL ($58.84MM, per Over the Cap), the 49ers have been quiet in free agency, and Eric Branch and Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle wonder if new head coach Chip Kelly is scaring players away. Right or wrong, Kelly wasn’t exactly seen as a players’ coach in Philadelphia, and some of his methods there – e.g., daily urine tests and a fast-paced offense – could be serving as roadblocks in the 49ers’ quest to add talent, Branch and Tafur opine.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

If the league ultimately suspends Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant for next season, teammate Antonio Brown could use his absence as leverage to secure a better contract, writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Brown – who has combined for 375 catches and 31 touchdowns the last three seasons – is woefully underpaid relative to his production (he’s due $14.96MM the next two years). While Florio notes that the Steelers don’t negotiate new deals with non-quarterbacks who have more than one year left on their contracts, he counters that Brown could serve as an exception to that rule.
The Vikings are in talks with two of their own free agents, linebacker Chad Greenway and cornerback Terence Newman, according to general manager Rick Spielman (link via Ben Goessling of ESPN.com). Greenway, a Viking for all of his decade-long career, said earlier this winter that he’d like to play one more year. The 33-year-old logged 12 starts last season, giving him 135 overall, and totaled 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Newman, the league’s oldest defensive back (38 in September), also wants to play another year. The 13-year veteran made 16 starts for the Vikes last season, recording 62 tackles and three picks.
While the Vikings are interested in Greenway and Newman, the same isn’t true of free agent offensive tackle Ryan Harris, tweets Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News. Having met with Andre Smith on Sunday, Minnesota is clearly in the hunt for tackle help. Nonetheless, it’s not in on Harris, who will visit with Pittsburgh in the coming days.
The Texans are “monitoring” the offensive tackle market, per the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, who adds that they might add one in the draft instead of free agency (Twitter link). With Duane Brown, Derek Newton and Chris Clark in the fold, the position doesn’t exactly look like a major need for the Texans.