Rumored to be a candidate for the Miami Dolphins job just a couple weeks ago, Oregon coach Chip Kelly has now had his name thrown in the bin for another NFL job in Florida.
Per KGW Sports in Portland, Kelly is reportedly close to finalizing a deal that would make him the coach of the Tampa Bay Bucs.
“A source close to the situation said Kelly will make the jump to the NFL if he can come to terms on a contract.” Michael Berk of KGW writes.
Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times also tweets “Both Kelly & the Bucs are proceeding down a path that they mutually hope will result in an agreement in the next 24-48 hours.”
By contrast, both Peter King of Sports Illustrated and Adam Jude of Eugene Register Guard have tweeted that they haven’t heard anything on that report with legs under it.
Also, expect Kelly/Oregon to deny any inquires about a possible move... if, of course, there is anything to deny. Keep in mind that national signing day is just 10 days away, and a rumor like this could be lethal to the Ducks’ recruiting efforts if not debunked immediately.
To be honest, we wouldn’t put it past Lane Kiffin to have played a role in all this*.
(*Kidding. Sort of)