Will Chip Kelly stay in Eugene?

January 22, 2012, 5:18 pm

On the day the NFL crowns its conference champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tried to make a splash of their own. KGW News Channel 8  was the first to report that Oregon Ducks Coach Chip Kelly was in talks with the Buccaneers regarding their head coaching vacancy. As of Sunday night, the university had no public comment regarding the report.

Tampa Bay is in need of a new coach after letting go of Raheem Morris after this past season.  There were reports in recent weeks that the Miami Dolphins had interest in speaking with Kelly about their vacancy. In three seasons as head coach of the Ducks, Kelly has guided the club to three straight BCS game appearances. Most recently Oregon knocked off Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

Multiple media outlets on Sunday night reported that a deal between Kelly and the Buccaneers was in the works. It seemed as if a contract could be signed as early as Monday. However, now multiple reports have said that Kelly has changed his mind and decided to stay in Eugene. Kelly has not made any statements either way, nor has the University. It would appear that all is well at Autzen Stadium and that Chip Kelly will return for a fourth season as Head Coach of the Oregon Ducks.

The University of Oregon issued this statement by Chip Kelly.

EUGENE – University of Oregon football coach Chip Kelly has announced his intentions to remain as the Ducks’ head coach.

 

 “I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization. I enjoyed meeting with the Glazer family and General Manager Mark Dominik but after numerous discussions, I concluded  that I have some unfinished business to complete at the University of Oregon.”

 

In three seasons, Kelly has accumulated a 34-6 record and guided Oregon to a trio of conference championships and BCS bowl berths, including a 45-38 win in this year’s Rose Bowl.

 

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers asked for permission to engage in conversation with Coach Kelly, which was granted,” Oregon Athletics Director Rob Mullens said. “The University of Oregon is one of the nation's preeminent college football programs and, as such, it comes as no surprise the NFL is interested in our personnel.  We are pleased with Coach Kelly’s decision to remain as our head coach.  Coach Kelly has provided great leadership and remains committed to building on our position among the elite college football programs in the country.”

Stay tuned to Sports Radio 750 The Game as we will have all the latest developments to this story.

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