After three years of controversy surrounding the Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia, the Eagles decided to put an end to it on Tuesday by firing their head coach, effective immediately. Pat Shurmur will coach the season finale against the New York Giants on Sunday.
The decision was made due to Kelly refusing to give up personnel control after questionable decisions being made throughout the last two off-seasons. That includes cutting ties with the likes of LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson, and acquiring quarterback Sam Bradford for Nick Foles.
The Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Washington Redskins last Saturday night, dropping them to 6-9 on the season. This after going 10-6 in each of the first two seasons under Kelly.
The have lost five of their past seven games, mainly due to defensive struggles where they gave up 45 points twice and 40 points once.
Kelly said in an interview that he did not fight owner Jeffrey Lurie on his decision after going a combined 26-21 with the franchise. He also mentioned his wish to stay in the NFL, rather than returning to coaching at the college level.
Lurie thanked Kelly for his hard work over the past three years, and sources say this decision has been brewing over the last few weeks. The decision was reportedly finalized Tuesday morning, revealed to Kelly Tuesday afternoon, and to the public Tuesday night.
The team's owner held a new conference on Wednesday afternoon regarding the decision, and met with the players Wednesday morning, and plans to do so next Monday after the season.
Lurie has received many questions on why he chose now, five nights before the season finale, to make this big change. He pointed to the importance of getting a jump start on their coaching search, and in fairness to Kelly, giving him a head start on finding a new home for next season.
The decision was made due to Kelly refusing to give up personnel control after questionable decisions being made throughout the last two off-seasons. That includes cutting ties with the likes of LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson, and acquiring quarterback Sam Bradford for Nick Foles.
The Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Washington Redskins last Saturday night, dropping them to 6-9 on the season. This after going 10-6 in each of the first two seasons under Kelly.
The have lost five of their past seven games, mainly due to defensive struggles where they gave up 45 points twice and 40 points once.
Kelly said in an interview that he did not fight owner Jeffrey Lurie on his decision after going a combined 26-21 with the franchise. He also mentioned his wish to stay in the NFL, rather than returning to coaching at the college level.
Lurie thanked Kelly for his hard work over the past three years, and sources say this decision has been brewing over the last few weeks. The decision was reportedly finalized Tuesday morning, revealed to Kelly Tuesday afternoon, and to the public Tuesday night.
The team's owner held a new conference on Wednesday afternoon regarding the decision, and met with the players Wednesday morning, and plans to do so next Monday after the season.
Lurie has received many questions on why he chose now, five nights before the season finale, to make this big change. He pointed to the importance of getting a jump start on their coaching search, and in fairness to Kelly, giving him a head start on finding a new home for next season.
