According to multiple reports, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly interviewed with the Cleveland Browns for seven total hours on Friday, with both sides planning on meeting again Saturday night.
The meeting with the Browns was the first of at least three meeting with NFL teams for Kelly.
According to ESPN, Kelly interviewed with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner for five hours in addition to a two-hour dinner on Friday. Kelly interviewed with the Buffalo Bills on Friday night before meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
Reports claim that Kelly appears to be the favorite to become the next head coach of the Browns, although there was no apparently no discussion on a contractual agreement.
Kelly reportedly regretted not going through the hiring process last year, when he met with only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He agreed to become the team's next head coach before making an abrupt change of mind and returning to Oregon. Because of that, he told Haslam and Banner that he intends to "go through the process" by meeting with other teams, including the Bills and Eagles.
"It's more a fact-finding mission, finding out if it fits or doesn't fit," Kelly said after Oregon's Thursday night Fiesta Bowl win about his meetings with NFL teams. "I've been in one interview in my life for the National Football League, and that was a year ago. I don't really have any preconceived notions about it. I think that's what this deal is all about for me. It's not going to affect us in terms of we're not on the road (recruiting). I'll get an opportunity if people do call, see where they are.
"I want to get it wrapped up quickly and figure out where I'm going to be."
According to multiple reports, the Ducks intend to promote Mark Helfrich to head coach if Kelly bolts for the NFL. Kelly would be responsible for a buyout of more than $3 million. He still has five years left on his contract with the Ducks.
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