Chip Kelly on his job status: 'I don't understand the noise'

In mid-November, reports arose claiming UCLA was likely to fire head coach Chip Kelly. However, as the month came to a close, the rumors dissipated as quickly as they had appeared. On Monday, Kelly addressed the controversial report.

“I don’t understand the noise, to be honest with you,” Kelly told the press. “If we win on Saturday, it will be the second time in 35 years that they’ve won eight or more games [three years in a row]. I think that’s what these players a trying to get accomplished, something that’s only been accomplished once since 1988.”

The report came from Tracy Pierson, who claimed UCLA was likely to fire Kelly after the Bruins’ matchup against USC on Nov. 18. Pierson also claimed if UCLA defeated USC, UCLA may keep Kelly around until the end of the regular season.

The Bruins did more than defeat the USC Trojans, they dominated them. UCLA had its way with USC in a 38-20 blowout. After the game, Kelly weighed in on the rumor around his job security.

“Not an issue for me,” Kelly said. “I’ve never been governed by the fear of what other people say, and the lessons that this game has taught me is that there’s gonna be highs and there’s gonna be lows. And you gotta lean into the lows, embrace them, and then you just gotta go to work.”

Chip Kelly back slides again

The Bruins’ work didn’t pay off the next week. UCLA followed up the impressive showing with a 33-7 loss to California in Week 13. Despite the stunning turn of events, Kelly is still with UCLA as it prepares for the LA Bowl against Boise State on Dec. 16. While Kelly is still with the program, the pressure is rising.

On Dec. 1, UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn signed a deal with USC to perform the same role. Lynn only spent one season with the Bruins, boosting them to finish No. 11 in total defense, an improvement from No. 89 the year before.

Only three days after Lynn left the program for USC, UCLA star quarterback Dante Moore entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. The former blue-chip prospect threw 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions for the Bruins in 2023 while throwing for 1,610 yards.

Moore was a five-star prospect and the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle. While massive pieces of UCLA’s foundation are crumbling, Kelly is focused on what’s ahead. On Dec. 16, UCLA will face off against Boise State at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.