CFB insiders see UCLA angling to be in the mix for top Florida candidate Chip Kelly
UCLA’s fresh head coaching vacancy may attract a candidate that’s most recently been linked to the Florida opening, none other than Chip Kelly.
Multiple college football insiders have said that UCLA could be the destination for Kelly if he’s looking to return to college after two stints in the NFL, and his current job as an ESPN analyst.
It’s unclear how serious the Kelly to Florida possibility is, but Dan Wolken of USA TODAY said UCLA didn’t want to fall too far behind in the coaching carousel. Of course, Kelly would be familiar with the Pac-12 landscape from his days coaching at Oregon.
Kelly was even asked on ESPN this morning about the Florida opening and his connection to it.
“I really enjoy what I’m doing now,” he said. “I think Florida is an outstanding program and has had so much success there with Urban and Steve Spurrier. I think whoever gets that job will be really lucky.”
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 19, 2017
It’s just a much better fit than Florida https://t.co/TTPWMW8Hdd
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 19, 2017
UCLA is my bet to win the Chip Kelly sweepstakes, IF he's really ready to come back to college.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) November 19, 2017
Gotta think UCLA didn’t want Florida to lock up Chip Kelly before they had their shot
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 19, 2017
G’bye Jim.
(Hello Chip?)
UCLA climbs on the carousel. https://t.co/dRfyh2R3fc
— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) November 19, 2017
I've always thought that UCLA would be the most likely landing spot for Chip Kelly _ if UCLA was willing to pay Mora.
Also, Kelly has no buyout and is still getting paid by the Niners for a few years.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 19, 2017
UCLA fires Jim Mora. Is this a preemptive strike to make a run at Chip Kelly before another school gets him?
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 19, 2017
Scariest thing UCLA could ever do in the eyes of arch rival USC is go get Chip Kelly as Bruins head coach.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 19, 2017
ucla has always seemed like perfect chip kelly landing spot…already knows the P12, system is proven out there, he can hide in plain sight amongst LA stars, great talent base to pull from, etc
— Barton Simmons (@bartonsimmons) November 19, 2017