December 29, 2015
In a stunning move, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with head coach Chip Kelly, according to a statement released by the team on Tuesday evening.
In two-plus seasons with the Eagles since replacing Andy Reid in January of 2013, Kelly compiled a 26-21 regular season record. After two straight 10-6 seasons, the first of which resulted in an NFC East title and playoff birth, Kelly was handed control over the personnel department. In this, his first season with that power, the Eagles are 6-9 with one game remaining.
“We appreciate all the contributions that Chip Kelly made and wish him every success going forward,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement.
The statement also said that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will be interim head coach for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
Ed Marynowitz, Vice President of Player Personnel, was also released. He was hired by Kelly last offseason to oversee the scouting department. Tom Donahoe, former general manager of the Buffalo Bills and Director of Football Operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's been serving as a senior football advisor for the organization since 2012, will assume the role of Senior Director of Player Personnel.
Laurie released the following letter to the fans via the team's website:
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
Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that, although it was not announced publicly, Roseman will return to his position atop the personnel department.
#Eagles didn't announce it publicly, but my understanding is that Howie Roseman will return to heading the personnel department.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 30, 2015
And Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com says no one bothered to tell the players before releasing the news to the public.
#Eagles did not tell the players that Chip has been fired. One just found out when I reached out to him for comment. "Damn. For real?"
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 30, 2015
More to come...
