After having spurned the NFL when the first slew of head coaching interviews were taking place, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly pulled a fast one and decided to hop the college football rails to join the NFL as the Philadelphia Eagles next head coach per ESPN's Chris Mortenson.
The Eagles interviewed Kelly a few weeks earlier, only to have him leave without a deal. Since then, there has been a slew of head coaching prospects in and out of Philadelphia, from former Bears head coach Lovie Smith to Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who recently visited with the team Tuesday only to hop on a plane to Jacksonville to interview with the Jaguars.
So what does this mean for the Eagles? Kelly's team's have been known for having an uptempo offense that scores A LOT of points. In fact, they finished 2nd in the nation in points scored per game with 49.6 in 2012. Many will cringe with the memories of Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino going to the NFL, only to turn their backs at the pro level and jump back to the college scene. I don't see this with Kelly, but I am hoping I don't eat me words.
For fantasy owners, this means big things for a couple Eagles players. LeSean McCoy figures to be a beast in Kelly's spread-option offense. While Andy Reid passed passed passed, McCoy figures to be a bigger factor in the run game and, quite easily, have his best year yet as a rusher. Another question mark is at the quarterback spot. Nick Foles showed promise at the tail end of 2012, but he just doesn't fit into Kelly's offense. Foles could either be traded or cut. Michael Vick? Now there is the $60 million dollar question. Vick has the athleticism to transition to Kelly's scheme, but he has yet to play an entire 16 game schedule as an Eagle. Plus, Vick is due over $15 million in 2013. $3 million guaranteed if he stays on the team past February 6th. If Vick is also let go, don't be surprised to see, now, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid come sniffing around at both Vick and Foles.
It's an exciting time in Philly right now.