Report: Chip Kelly to interview with Seattle Seahawks for offensive coordinator
According to Benjamin Solak of the Ringer, UCLA head coach Chip Kelly interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday night for the offensive coordinator spot. Kelly has been flirting with the NFL for quite a few weeks and is now in the running for another job.
“Sources: [UCLA] HC Chip Kelly is interviewing with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator job tonight,” Solak said via X. “Chip has garnered a ton of NFL interest, and the Seahawks have had rumored interest in his offense for much of this cycle.”
Reports earlier in February stated that Kelly interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders to become the offensive coordinator. He was also linked with the Washington Commanders after they hired a defensive-minded head coach, Dan Quinn. Both franchises went in different directions but Kelly still may have an opportunity to jump back into the NFL.
Kelly has been at UCLA for the last six seasons, currently sporting a 35-34 record in Westwood. The past three seasons have resulted in the Bruins bowl eligibility, a streak the program has not been on since 2013-2015.
However, with the ever-changing world of college football, Kelly is likely looking for an escape. On3’s Jesse Simonton recently explained why it’s a tough position for UCLA to be in — especially at this point of the calendar.
“It’s like, alright, we survived and in hindsight, they should have fired him,” Simonton said on Andy Staples On3. “Because now when you look at everything … they should have fired Chip Kelly, because he clearly wants out of Westwood.
“And now the Bruins are in a complete lose-lose situation. They’re in a union with a coach who doesn’t want to be there, but their top two targets are off the board. Jedd Fisch and Jonathan Smith have now taken jobs elsewhere.”
If Kelly does end up in Seattle, he will be linking up with someone who has experience at the college level as well. Mike Macdonald is coming over from the Baltimore Ravens but formerly worked under Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines.
Geno Smith is expected to be the Seahawks quarterback heading into the 2024 season. A talented offensive roster is there in the Pacific Northwest, being close to making the playoffs last year. But for now, the two appear to be no further than the interview stages.
However, based on Kelly’s recent moves, you have to believe he wants to be in the NFL instead of having to deal with the current demands of college football.