November 30, 2015
When USC fired head coach Steve Sarkisian over a month ago, Chip Kelly's name was immediately attached to that job, as it always is when a major college program has a head coaching opening. At the time, Kelly emphatically denied having any interest.
"No. No. No. No. No," said Kelly to reporters. "North Texas. State. The Armadillos, or whatever. Just keep asking questions like this in press conferences, and it'll be over quicker. What do you want to talk about? Let's talk about another college. You have 10 minutes, so let's talk about North Texas... I know you have an obligation. I understand it. It's going to happen. If we're not successful and we're not winning, (the talk will be that) I came from college and I'm going to go back to college."
When USC hired former interim coach Clay Helton today, reports emerged that Chip Kelly had engaged in talks with USC.
#USC announces they're hiring former interim Clay Helton as their full-time coach. They had touched base with Chip Kelly, then made the move
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 30, 2015
Source tells FootballScoop USC officials met w Chip in Philly (believe it was Friday). Chip likes the league life https://t.co/sNnVtycOD5
— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) November 30, 2015
Kelly denied having any contact with USC, and noted that he was in New Hampshire on Friday.
"I've never spoken with anybody from USC," Kelly told reporters at the NoveCare Complex on Monday. "I've never emailed anybody from USC. I never had a phone call with anybody from USC. I've never had contact with Southern California.
"The same thing happened a year ago with Florida. I have great respect for all those schools. I think USC just hired a coach, who's a heck of a coach, and Clay is going to do a great job there, but I haven't been involved in any jobs, and haven't discussed anything with any colleges."
Kelly may not be with the Eagles in 2016, whether it be by his choice, or whether the Eagles decide it's time to part ways with Kelly, but we can emphatically put the USC speculation to bed.
Update: Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports reported that USC's athletic director said that USC did not interview Kelly.
Pat Haden told me #USC did not interview Chip Kelly.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 30, 2015
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