December 29, 2015
In a letter to nobody in particular (the fans?), Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie revealed more information about the "release" of former head coach Chip Kelly. The letter in its entirety, via the Eagles' 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
Notes:
• The triumvirate of Lurie, Smolenski, and Roseman was the same team that hired Kelly three years ago.
• Pat Shurmur's role as interim head coach will last precisely one week, according to the verbiage above, unless the Eagles decide that he will be allowed to interview for the full-time job.
• Ed Marynowitz's elevated role with the team lasted just one year. He was Kelly's hire, and will leave with him.
• Lurie's use of the word "release" is interesting, and leaves open that possibilities that the parting ways of Kelly and the team was not necessarily a firing. We're still gathering info on that.
• In case you missed it, we said a month ago that Kelly should be fired, in case you're interested in checking our reasoning.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
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