As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Chip Kelly.
Chip Kelly coaching experience (53years old)
He built Oregon into a powerhouse as a head coach from 2009-2012 before moving on to be the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Prior to becoming Oregon’s head coach, he was offensive coordinator for the Ducks. Before that, he was a prolific coordinator at New Hampshire. He’s also been an assistant at Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Nevada.
GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level Two – Major Conference Champion; Guru (offense); Pro; On Hiatus.
Why the Tennessee Vols might want Chip Kelly
He has coached some loaded teams, recruited incredible players and developed quarterbacks like Marcus Mariota. He’s produced some of the most prolific offenses in college football history and left what looked like it could become a dynasty in Eugene before failing in the NFL. He has experience on all levels and isn’t currently coaching.
Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Chip Kelly
Tennessee probably wouldn’t have that many reservations, but how will his brash attitude fly in Knoxville? That’s really the only worry. But Kelly has never recruited in the SEC. He’s a West Coast and Northeast guy. It seems like he’d be an ideal pick for UCLA if he wanted to come back to college ball. But does he want to get another shot at the NFL? How long would he be in Knoxville if you got him to come? How much would he cost? Yes, there’s huge upside, but there are also questions.