Chip Kelly took 2017 season off from coaching after being fired by the San Francisco 49ers but has spent the season as a college football analyst for ESPN. However, that's not expected to be a new career for him - simply a bridge to another job next season, a la Urban Meyer in 2011 before taking the Ohio State job.
Kelly would likely entertain offers from both college and NFL teams, but with him serving as a college analyst and lack of success in the NFL over the past two seasons, it seems likely that he'll return to the college game. Oregon isn't an option with Willie Taggart at the helm, but a number of other schools - specifically in the SEC - that are planning to pursue him. Here are the four most likely options for Kelly next season:
4) Florida Gators
Florida is the only team on this list that already has an opening after firing Jim McElwain last week, but it has become clear that UCF head coach Scott Frost is their top target - and he's interested in the job. However, Nebraska also plans to make a run at Frost, and considering he played quarterback for the Huskers, there's a chance they could steal him away from the Gators. That happens and Florida will look to the next high-profile coach available in Kelly, who would be interested in the tradition and pedigree in Gainesville.
3) Tennessee Volunteers
Butch Jones has done a good job rebuilding the Tennessee program, but they've hit their ceiling with him and it's clear he's not the guy they plan to move forward with. The Vols are already pursuing another ESPN analyst, Jon Gruden, for their head job, but Kelly is among their secondary options. Another traditional SEC power that could appeal to Kelly, the Vols are in the much easier SEC East and are the top dog in their state.
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2) UCLA Bruins
UCLA is probably the best West Coast option for Kelly. Jim Mora has done well with the Bruins, but they're 16-18 over the last three years, meaning that UCLA will likely be looking for a new coach.
Kelly has extensive knowledge of the Pac-12 from his days at Oregon, and his recruiting prowess could do wonders with the lure of Los Angeles behind him. But, like with Auburn and Alabama, would Kelly want to go to a school that traditionally plays second-fiddle on the football field to USC?
1) Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M AD Scott Woodward has already said that head coach Kevin Sumlin "has to win this year" or he'll be gone, and with the Aggies sitting at 5-4, they are already preparing to fire Sumlin. Should that happen, Texas A&M will be a very attractive opening to Kelly. The Aggies are the SEC recruiting power in the fertile state of Texas, have as much tradition as anyone and are looking to take another step forward. They also have the funds to give Kelly the kind of lucrative deal that would bring him back to the college game.
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