ESPN Signs Chip Kelly As Football Analyst
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chip Kelly is headed back to college football...as a studio analyst.
ESPN announced on Friday they've signed Kelly to a multiyear deal. Kelly will mostly be a part of the Saturday pregame, halftime, and wrap-up shows on ESPN2.
Related: Chip Kelly's Firing May Have Been Predetermined
He will also provide NFL analysis on Sundays during SportsCenter.
"Chip is one of the most innovative football minds of our generation," said Lee Fitting, ESPN senior coordinating producer, in a press release. "As a coach, he saw the game from a unique perspective, never afraid to take an unconventional approach. We want him to bring that mentality to our college football coverage each week, offering fans a varying viewpoint outside of the conventional thought process."
"Over the last 30 years, I have experienced football from one perspective – as a coach," Kelly said in the release. "Working in television will allow me to see the game from a different angle; simultaneously, I'll provide viewers an insight to the mindset of a coach and team while offering alternative views of various situations.
"Once I decided to make the move to TV, my familiarity with ESPN, combined with their high-quality production and vital role in college football, it was easily the best network suited for me."
Kelly, 53, spent the past four seasons coaching in the NFL with the Eagles and 49ers. Kelly went 26-21 in three seasons with the Eagles, leading them to a playoff appearance in his first season -- 2013. He was fired after a 2-14 season with the 49ers last year.
Prior to joining the Eagles, Kelly was 46-7 as the Oregon head coach. Kelly led the Ducks to the BCS title game and was named The Associated Press coach of the year in 2010.
