97 replies to this topic

[soxhop411]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet
BREAKING: Chip Kelly is close to a deal to become the #Browns coach, according to a source informed of his situation.

Nice hire for the Browns

[Marbleheader]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

If true, have to figure Weeden is gone or Kelly instituting a completely new system. Doesn't seem to be a fit, currently, McCoy a better fit, mobility/rushing-wise, until they can find a true franchise QB with skills more similar to RGIII or Wilson that would be better suited to Kelly's system.

[54thMA]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

There are millions of reasons why...................all with dead presidents on them.

[SoxFanInPdx]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

Word on sports talk radio here, is that may be what's coming.

[DrewDawg]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

Aside from the money, people think the NFL is the pinnacle of their profession and want to give it a shot.

[E5 Yaz]

There are millions of reasons why...................all with dead presidents on them.

He's working under a six-year, $20.5M contract, with escalators, at Oregon. The sanctions chatter is more likely ... if the NCAA finally decides it can go after Uncle Phil

I mean, he'll take the money, sure. But he ain't short-changed at the moment

Edited by E5 Yaz, 04 January 2013 - 06:22 PM.

[JCizzle]

I like the hire. I think Chip's style is a bit of a gamble (assuming he doesn't turn into a turtle in the NFL), which is what the Browns need after all the boring, shitty football their fans have been forced to watch. Could be a colossal bust or a gamechanger.

[Old Fart Tree]

Don't mind seeing him leave the Pac-12, that's for sure. And while I don't think it'll be as stark as Caroll running from a sinking ship, I think it's inevitable that the Duck program sees some sanctions. There have long been whispers...

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

I like the hire. I think Chip's style is a bit of a gamble (assuming he doesn't turn into a turtle in the NFL), which is what the Browns need after all the boring, shitty football their fans have been forced to watch. Could be a colossal bust or a gamechanger.

Has to be great news for Josh Cribbs' agent, too, after the bad PR tweeiting.

[phragle]

Browns @ Patriots in 2013.

o/u 200 total plays?

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

It has to be some sort of sanctions. I mean, the guy has maybe the best job in all of college sports when you consider the money plus the resources at his disposal. Oregon might have better facilities and equipment than many NFL teams including the Browns.

[Eck'sSneakyCheese]

I really thought he'd end up in Philly. More talent than Cleveland and he wouldn't have to face his buddy Bill in the playoffs unless it was the Superbowl. Although the NFC East is going to be pretty tough.

I agree with JCizzle this could be exciting for Browns fans or it could completely blow up. Either way that division is going to be up for grabs with the Ravens and Steelers both getting old. Cincy may be a contender but they still have a lot to prove. Hopefully Chip can find himself a QB to run that offense because Weeden isn't going to cut it.

[SouthernBoSox]

Draft Tajh Boyd and enjoy the touchdowns.

He is a genius. I don't see him being a flop at all.

[bowiac]

It really doesn't have to be sanctions. It could just be he wants to show he's good enough for the big show. The money will likely be similar, but the potential to build a real legacy is something Oregon can't match.

I'd leave if I were him, even without any sanctions.

[bowiac]

Oh, and I think the NFL is in for a show. It may take a few years to find the talent, but if he actually commits to running a spread option, it could be something special.

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

He supposedly doesn't have the best relationship with the Oregon boosters and alumni. I think he's tired of the whole college football experience.

http://deadspin.com/5970235/oregon-football-boosters-are-mad-that-chip-kelly-doesnt-hang-out-with-them

A number of substantial Oregon football boosters, many of whom requested anonymity, expressed a widespread annoyance with Kelly.
"Some of the college boosters have gone as far as to say, ‘I hope he does leave so we can get somebody who appreciates the fans,'" says Jack Roberts, a former Oregon labor commissioner and Oregon alumnus.
Dan Dutton, a booster and former walk-on player at Oregon under Rich Brooks, says: "Fundraising and socializing are not his favorite activities."

[Dogman2]

Yeah, I can see the boosters being upset with Kelly based on the amount of success and national recognition the school has gotten since Kelly took over.

Nike, BCS Bowls, TV contracts in non traditional markets. The nerve of the guy to be unappreciative by not being overly social.

Wow, Kelly's job is to build and maintain a successful team, not be ringleader for the socialites.

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

Yeah, I can see the boosters being upset with Kelly based on the amount of success and national recognition the school has gotten since Kelly took over.

Nike, BCS Bowls, TV contracts in non traditional markets. The nerve of the guy to be unappreciative by not being overly social.

Wow, Kelly's job is to build and maintain a successful team, not be ringleader for the socialites.

I hear the whine [sic] from Willamette Valley is pretty good

[bsj]

As a Syracuse guy who would rather not need a new coach right now, one less destination for our guy

[Dogman2]

I hear the whine [sic] from Willamette Valley is pretty good

They have never had it so good and a huge reason for the success is chastised for spending time with his family rather than the people whose job he makes easy.

[Reverend]

They have never had it so good and a huge reason for the success is chastised for spending time with his family rather than the people whose job he makes easy.

Everything about that confirms everything I have always suspected about boosters.

Which is creepy.

[Morning Woodhead]

I don't get why anyone would leave a cushy college job for the pros unless they are facing sanctions.

I'm excited to see what he does in the NFL.

As for the why, if for some reason he fails in the NFL, he'll have his pick of jobs back in NCAA. May as well see if he can hack it now.

[Domer]

I'm excited to see what he does in the NFL.

As for the why, if for some reason he fails in the NFL, he'll have his pick of jobs back in NCAA. May as well see if he can hack it now.

Exactly, a "cushy college job" will still be waiting for him, even if his tenure in Cleveland is an epic disaster. (e.g. Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino)

[Tyrone Biggums]

Don't mind seeing him leave the Pac-12, that's for sure. And while I don't think it'll be as stark as Caroll running from a sinking ship, I think it's inevitable that the Duck program sees some sanctions. There have long been whispers...

Going to be interesting to see Chip Kelly work within a salary cap, he doesn't have boosters like Phil Knight funneling in recruits anymore. He runs a fad offense kind of like Steve Spurriers fun and gun deal, its an offense that might work for a year in the pros then everyone will catch on. I will say that Michael Vick probably just got another suitor with this deal.

[Gash Prex]

All the same people who are people claiming his system will never work in the pros are the same old school NFL types who continue to assert "defense wins championships" or "you need a balanced offensive attack." looking forward to what he brings to the nfl

[Darnell's Son]

All the same people who are people claiming his system will never work in the pros are the same old school NFL types who continue to assert "defense wins championships" or "you need a balanced offensive attack." looking forward to what he brings to the nfl

Who's claiming this? From what I've heard, most have been claiming that he's been influencing the NFL and other college offenses for years. Almost anytime the hurry up spread offense comes into a conversation, Chip Kelly is mentioned.

If I'm Kelly, I'm picking a QB, even reaching for him, that can make my offense work. He's got Cribbs and Richardson to completment his offense. If I was an owner in the NFL, I would grab this guy as an Offensive Coordinator first, but the Browns can't be picky. I'm more worried that this shit franchise can't support an expiriment than I am that Chip Kelly can't coach.

Edited by Darnell's Son, 04 January 2013 - 09:47 PM.

[Gash Prex]

Who's claiming this? From what I've heard, most have been claiming that he's been influencing the NFL and other college offenses for years. Almost anytime the hurry up spread offense comes into a conversation, Chip Kelly is mentioned.

If I'm Kelly, I'm picking a QB, even reaching for him, that can make my offense work. He's got Cribbs and Richardson to completment his offense. If I was an owner in the NFL, I would grab this guy as an Offensive Coordinator first, but the Browns can't be picky. I'm more worried that this shit franchise can't support an expiriment than I am that Chip Kelly can't coach.

All the talk on the NFL radio network today by the hosts and former players was that his scheme won't work because of the difference between blocking in college and the pros and the gimmicky nature of his scheme.

[bowiac]

There's influencing the NFL, and there's believing that a big play rushing attack can work. It remains to be seen whether he'll go fully zone read on the NFL. There are some rule differences that make it tough. The NFL roster limit makes it dangerous to rush your QB all that much. The rules with regards to linemen downfield during passing downs are different, which makes the QB draw playfake/option tougher to pull off. Finally, the fact that the clock stops on any first down means it's possible to run a 2 minute drill by rushing the ball, which is a big deal for obvious reasons.

[bowiac]

To be clear, I don't think his scheme is a gimmick. I think it's where football is headed, because of the arithmetic advantages present with having your QB be a rushing threat, and the game theoretic advantages all around. This isn't the wildcat, which largely consisted of a few trick-type plays. Modern spread option offenses in college are as sophisticated as NFL offenses are.

But there's some reason for doubt.

[Jnai]

I think this will be a lot of fun. I'm really excited to see what kind of offense he uses in the pros. I have doubts that it'll be the same kind of scheme that he runs at Oregon - I think he'll be forced to adapt to the kind of players he has on the roster. But I think he'll incorporate some of the same principles, stress conditioning, and utilize an up-tempo package much like the Pats do in certain game situations.


Also, to reply to Bowiac, I think that the Chip Kelly version of the option offense is a lot less gimmicky than the Tim Tebow / Cam Newton style runner, in the sense that those guys were mainly inside threats that relied - in part - on being stronger, more powerful, and faster than the defenses they were facing. It's hard to run a lot of those plays in the pros because the QB routinely gets blown up. Also, Chip Kelly's QB is not really a runner - he's a running threat, but he doesn't pick up the kind of yards that those guys do. Maybe that's a personnel issue more than it is a system issue (if Chip Kelly had Tim Tebow, hard to believe he wouldn't have called 37 inside zone QB rushes/game), but at least in the package we've seen from Kelly so far, his QB is not really a designed runner.

The more I've read on it (Smart Football by Chris Brown is a fantastic read), and the more we've seen of it in the pros this year (RG3, Wilson, Kaepernick, even Luck runs it) the more I've come to realize that the option concept is probably here to stay because it's such a powerful way for the offense to account for an extra defender.


Last thought: one great thing about running an innovative and different system is that players should be relatively cheap to acquire because they won't fit as well in other systems as they will in yours. If Kelly really does want to run his spread system, a franchise QB could be considerably cheaper for him to pick up than it would be for him to find a franchise drop back passer like a Brady or a Manning.

Edited by Jnai, 04 January 2013 - 10:31 PM.

[BannedbyNYYFans.com]

I find it interesting that three of the most high profile NCAA coaches are from the Boston area (both Kellys, Chip and Brian and Bill O'Brien). An area that isn't known for football like Texas, Florida or Ohio. Pretty soon all three could be in the NFL at the same time. I can't remember any high profile football coaches from the area other than Wayne Fontes, Steve Spags and Dick Jauron.

[86spike]

If true, have to figure Weeden is gone or Kelly instituting a completely new system. Doesn't seem to be a fit, currently, McCoy a better fit, mobility/rushing-wise, until they can find a true franchise QB with skills more similar to RGIII or Wilson that would be better suited to Kelly's system.

I hear Tebow is looking to get out of Soddom.

[DrewDawg]

If true, have to figure Weeden is gone or Kelly instituting a completely new system.

Well, I would imagine it could be tweaked some, but Weeden did run a spread offense in college that had him in the shotgun most (all?) of the time.

[bosockboy]

Cleveland would seriously consider drafting Geno Smith I would think.

[Sille Skrub]

Not so fast!

Kelly met wih the Bills tonight and is meeting with the Eagles tomorrow per Mort.

[bowiac]

Well, I would imagine it could be tweaked some, but Weeden did run a spread offense in college that had him in the shotgun most (all?) of the time.

Yeah, but you need your QB to be a rushing threat in the spread n shred. Weeden's not going to be that. Weeden was more in the Tom Brady 2007 mold.

[MoVaughndotORG]

I find it interesting that three of the most high profile NCAA coaches are from the Boston area (both Kellys, Chip and Brian and Bill O'Brien). An area that isn't known for football like Texas, Florida or Ohio. Pretty soon all three could be in the NFL at the same time. I can't remember any high profile football coaches from the area other than Wayne Fontes, Steve Spags and Dick Jauron.

I think Mike Sherman is an Algonquin alum but I can't think of many others.

[phragle]

Not so fast!

Kelly met wih the Bills tonight and is meeting with the Eagles tomorrow per Mort.

I don't even want him in the AFC, never mind the AFC East. Eagles would be cool though.

[LondonSox]

I think Philly is really interested in Kelly, I would be surprised if he signed with the browns without hearing them out.
As a Philly fan I'm all in on Kelly, I think he will change football and my goodness his brand of football is fun to watch.

It's also actually kind of a myth he needs a running qb, it helps but not necessary. His philosophy is the qb has to commit a defensive player, so that the defence doesn't have a numerical advantage. The easiest way is the threat if the run, but it's not the only way. Also it's worth noting that while his new qb can run it was a lot less than in the past, much fewer attempts but similar yardage.

I think he is a brave and intelligent guy and I love that he's brave enough to go for 4th downs when the odds are in his favour, not just do what public opinion (which is wrong) says.

I do agree it he is a boom or bust guy, but everyone has a pretty good chance of failure and Kelly's upside is game changing.
I would note that Reid was brought in to the eagles with a 'new' philosophy at the time, 55-60% pass, which was panned by critics at first. Now Reid is close to league average, due to the legue moving to him.
Reid was often attacked for not running enough, but IMO that was because he had shit receivers and a great rb.

If I was Kelly I'd note that Reid was given real time and allowed to run his 'crazy' idea hands off. The browns won't. If he shits the bed for a year or two he's gone. That might be true for the eagles but they sure gave Reid a bunch of chances. We shall see but I totally disagree with these thoughts that bad teams will be more patient. That's half the reason they stay bad, they keep getting impatient and firing people.

[phragle]

Cleveland would seriously consider drafting Geno Smith I would think.

Smith isn't that very athletic and isn't a running QB. CBS predicts Barkley to run a faster 40.

I could see Kelly going after Tajh Boyd or EJ Manuel. Possible Collin Klein.

[Papelbon's Poutine]

I can see why Kelly would hate the schmoozing aspect of the college game, but that's part and parcel with being head coach at a major D1 school. Boosters give money and expect to hang out with the coach. That's why they get paid so much, in part, because their salary is more than covered by boosters. Christ, obrien just got what, a $1.3M bump from a booster.

I can appreciate he might not have foreseen it coming from UNH and its great he wants to spend more time with his family. But that time isn't increasing by becoming an NFL coach and I find it difficult to believe he thinks it will. He won't have to deal with recruiting but will have a longer season, longer hours, just as much PR shit. His work load is not getting any shorter.

The options are a money grab; "rising to the top of your profession"; or sanctions coming. None of those are bad reasons and all are defendable and understandable. Good luck to him.

Edited by Papelbon's Poutine, 05 January 2013 - 03:51 AM.

[mabrowndog]

There are millions of reasons why...................all with dead presidents on them.

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were not US presidents. But they are in fact dead, so nice work there.

[MarcSullivaFan]

McCoy ran the spread at Texas and is a decent runner. Obviously, he's not the long term solution, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's the starter for a good chunk of 2013. I hope Kelley gets the QB he needs--it will be a lot of fun to watch.

[Eddie Jurak]

Oh, and I think the NFL is in for a show. It may take a few years to find the talent, but if he actually commits to running a spread option, it could be something special.

Tebow!!!

[koufax32]

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were not US presidents. But they are in fact dead, so nice work there.

<click>

12 hours 27 minutes

[54thMA]

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were not US presidents. But they are in fact dead, so nice work there.

He's more a fan of ones, fives, twenties and fifties than tens and hundreds.

[BernieRicoBoomer]

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton were not US presidents. But they are in fact dead, so nice work there.

Well, one million one dollar bills would all have dead presidents on them.

[DrewDawg]

Smith isn't that very athletic and isn't a running QB. CBS predicts Barkley to run a faster 40.

I could see Kelly going after Tajh Boyd or EJ Manuel. Possible Collin Klein.

I don't think Klein is much of an NFL prospect. I've seen 7th round, I've seen undrafted. His release is very slow and scouts don't think he can throw the deep ball.

However, there are many comparisons to Tebow.

Said Orr, 77, "Once a reporter called me asking about Johnny (Unitas) taking too many risks with the football. Collin didn't kiss his wife until they were at the altar… Now that's a risk."
Often called the "Tim Tebow of the Midwest," Klein would like to avoid comparisons to the New York Jets quarterback, though he understands the connection.

Edited by DrewDawg, 05 January 2013 - 11:21 AM.

[crystalline]

Some of Kelly's changes have already made it to the NFL, in particular the hurry-up aspects (as we've seen BB bring them in and consulting with Kelly to do so).
Just as the league caught up with Andy Reid's increase in passing eventually, Kelly's window has gotten a little shorter as defenses have been practicing how to defend NE's play rate and personnel flexibiliy.
The hurry-up was probably the easiest to translate to the NFL and we'll see how the rest of Kelly's system does. If he continues to think out of the box he may turn into the next great NFL coach.
It will be interesting to watch either way.