Chip Kelly was fired by the 49ers on Sunday, but the unconventional offensive mind wants to remain in professional football, even if it means a demotion to coordinator, according to Fox Sports.
The 2016 season was Kelly’s fourth in the NFL, coming after three years in Philadelphia. His current overall NFL coaching record is 28-35, including a 2-14 mark this past season with a roster constructed by Trent Baalke, who was also fired Sunday.
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Kelly, who still will make about $18 million over the next three years from the 49ers, could just lay low and re-evaluate his career. But, like his offense, Kelly appears ready to get back to the line as quickly as possible.
The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing now, and Kelly should have plenty of options, although becoming a head coach might be a stretch.
The Bills, Broncos, Jaguars, Rams, Chargers and Niners are without head coaches. Numerous offensive coordinators — Kyle Shanahan (Falcons), Josh McDaniels (Patriots), Harold Goodwin (Cardinals) and Sean McVay (Redskins) — are candidates for those head-coaching spots, and Kelly could find a OC job with a contender next season.
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Kelly is also open to returning to college, where he enjoyed success at Oregon, going 46-7 from 2009-12. A new college job may just fall in his lap.
According to a different report from Fox Sports, a couple of schools are contemplating making coaching changes if they could land Kelly.