National Football League

Report: Eagles to pursue Chip Kelly

Published Dec. 24, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A college football coach could be bailing while facing the possibility of NCAA sanctions.

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to try to sway Chip Kelly from Oregon to replace Andy Reid as the team’s next head coach, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Kelly turned down an offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, but might be on the move this offseason as the NCAA investigates his program's relationship with a prep recruiter.

Kelly also has been rumored as a possible head coaching option for the Browns, who are expected to pursue another top college coach as well: Alabama's Nick Saban, according to La Canfora.

Kelly is in his fourth season with the Ducks. He’s led the Pac-12 school to a 45-7 record, including 11-1 in 2011 and 2012. Kelly led Oregon to the BCS National Championship game in 2010, where the Ducks lost to Auburn 22-19. The Ducks will face Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3.

Kelly's run-heavy, high-powered offense could be a boost for the Eagles, who have struggled in 2012, going 4-11 and finishing last in the NFC East. Quarterback Michael Vick is not expected to be back. Third-round pick Nick Foles has started the past six games for Philadelphia, though Vick is expected to start Sunday at the Giants after Foles broke his hand in Week 16.