Oregon fans went through one heck of a roller coaster ride over the past 24 hours. On Monday, though, Chip Kelly announced through a University of Oregon press release that he is definitely staying with the Ducks rather than accepting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coaching position.
“I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization," Chip Kelly said. "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.”
Kelly had created quite a stir when reports surfaced Sunday evening that he had accepted the job. Within a few hours, possible replacements were being discussed and fans were speculating that possible impending NCAA violations were going to doom the school. Just after midnight, however, a source in the UO athletic department confirmed that Kelly had changed his mind.
“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.”
Fans in Oregon all let out one collective sigh of relief.
Other Recent Ducks News:
- Also on Sunday, a 4-star DE switched his commitmentfrom Oregon to UCLA.
- 4-star offensive guard Cedrick Poutasi, a Utah commit, is taking an official visit to Oregon.
- The exit of QB Darron Thomas goes to show how important recruiting is. Class of 2012 commit Jake Rodrigues just might get a shot at the QB battle this year.
- Oregon's top 2011 recruit De'Anthony Thomas won a national college football award this week.
- 3-star athlete Fabian Moreau, who wanted to take an official visit to Eugene, ended up committing to UCLA.
- After decommitting to Washington, athlete Bryan Harper expressed interest in Oregon. The Ducks agreed and extended him a scholarship offer.
- Offensive lineman Dejon Allen is having second thoughts after Dennis Erickson was fired from Arizona State, his original commitment. Allen is still considering Oregon.
- #11 TE recruit (4-star) Pharaoh Brown committed to Oregon.
- 3-star linebacker C.J. Dozier was considering Oregon after decommitting from Arizona State, but he committed to Arizona on January 15.
- 4-star athlete Jaydon Mickens was planning on visiting Oregon on Jan. 20, but has since canceled. Oklahoma State is now the clear favorite.
- 4-star cornerback De'Vante Harris pushed back his planned visit to Oregon.
Have any thoughts of your own? You're encouraged to comment at the bottom of the article!
© 2011 Max Price - All Rights Reserved.
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