The fact the move was made wasn’t surprising, but the timing has left some wondering what is going on. The team is in the middle of preparation for their final game of the year and despite a losing record this season, Philly did have two straight years of 10 victories.
Kelly came into the league as an offensive guru of sorts with his approach to playing at a break-neck speed. His style was to make his opposition tired and win games late on conditioning and while it had some success, he went through too many athletes, making even his star players look over their shoulders at all times.
His offensive approach worked fantastically in his first year in Philadelphia, but a lack of a running quarterback and numerous injuries since have caused a slower style of play and helped lead to his departure.
The 52-year-old won’t be long without a job, in fact, reports have the former Oregon Ducks head man with two job offers already on the table and rumors of other teams with interest, including the Cleveland Browns.
Current coach Mike Pettine has done little with the franchise to believe he will be given a third year as head man and now it could be even tougher to retain his job. The Cleveland Browns made a strong move to get Kelly three years ago and with Johnny Manziel as quarterback, it could be the job that saves “Johnny Football” and the team after another season of failing to make the NFL Playoffs.
It wouldn’t be a major surprise to see Kelly on the sidelines on a college campus in 2016, but he is still looking to prove his style of play will work at the professional level and that determination could lead to him coaching along Lake Erie next season.
