The Philadelphia Eagles announced Saturday morning they’re heading to Arizona to interview “a variety of candidates” for their vacant head-coaching spot, including Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Hmm, they seem to have left a name off of their list: Chip Kelly.
The team will interview the Oregon coach Saturday afternoon, according to a person informed of the talks between the sides. But the person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the Eagles’ reluctance to confirm the meeting, said the team is being cautious because of widespread reports Kelly was on the verge of joining the Cleveland Browns.
Kelly also met with the Buffalo Bills on Friday night, though the brevity of that meeting (the announcement from the Bills the team had “met” with Kelly came shortly after he wrapped his long session with Cleveland) indicates Buffalo continues to be a long shot.
The Eagles have serious interest in Kelly, who has gone 46-7 at Oregon and built the program into a perennial contender. That much is clear by their flying out to see him despite the indications the Browns are in the lead right now. NFL.com is reporting Kelly has a second meeting scheduled with Cleveland Saturday night.
To buy out Kelly’s contract with Oregon, a team will have to pay the school $3.5 million.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting the Eagles will interview Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, who has also met with the Browns and Bills.
McCoy will have a busy weekend of interviews. He’s meeting with the Bills and Arizona Cardinals on Saturday then sit down with the Chicago Bears and Eagles on Sunday.
Article courtesy of the USA Today.