Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has fired head coach Chip Kelly. In a statement released earlier Tuesday night, Lurie said the following:
I have made a decision to release Chip Kelly this evening. I spent the last three seasons evaluating the many factors involved in our performance as a team. As I watched this season unfold, I determined that it was time to make a change.
As we move forward, the search for a new head coach will begin and will be led by myself, Don Smolenski and Howie Roseman. To the extent that we are able, we will try to keep you informed as we go through this process.
Pat Shurmur will be our interim coach for the Giants game Sunday.
We have also released Ed Marynowitz, vice president of player personnel. Tom Donahoe, who has been our senior football advisor since 2012, will assume the role of senior director of player personnel.
I am determined and excited to select a new coach to help us obtain our ultimate goal.
Thank you for your consistent and enthusiastic support. It is always appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Lurie
Chairman and CEO
Kelly Dropped With Two Years Left On Contract
Per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, Kelly was pulled into a meeting with Lurie today and didn't fight the decision once the owner broke him the news. The Eagles originally signed Kelly to a five-year deal worth $32.5 million in 2013. No details were released on whether or not Philadelphia is still on the hook to pay Kelly the final two years of that contract.
Lurie's decision comes at a surprising time, especially with one game remaining in the regular season. As seen three years ago when Lurie let go of Andy Reid as the Eagles head coach, moves of this magnitude are typically made once the season concludes. Lurie showed with Reid that he's a man who will wait an extra year before parting ways with the head coach, but in this instance, he did the exact opposite.
Roster Moves Doom Kelly
Back in January, Lurie gave Kelly the keys to the kingdom after missing the playoffs at 10-6, allowing him to form the roster that he wanted. As soon as he gained power, Kelly traded quarterback Nick Foles and a second round draft pick to the St.Louis Rams for Sam Bradford and a fifth round pick. Philadelphia also signed running back DeMarco Murray to a five year contract worth more than $40 million. The experiment failed and after three seasons, Chip Kelly leaves his first job in the NFL with a 26-22 record and only one playoff appearance.
Lurie will hold a press conference Wednesday at Noon E.T. with further information regarding his decision. Maybe Lurie thought the team needed a change in culture.