NFL Notes: Chip Kelly, Eagles, Lions, & Texans

Chip Kelly

Here are some notes from Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie’s press conference on Tuesday regarding their decision to fire Chip Kelly. 

• Lurie called the firing Kelly “a clear and important decision that had to be made.” (Jason La Canfora)
• Lurie did say that he “looks forward to watching Chip succeed wherever he goes because I think he will.” (Mike Garafolo)
• Kelly wasn’t offered a chance to stay without personnel power, according to Lurie. (Mike Garafolo)
• Lurie told reports: “the end result (of empowering kelly a year ago) was mediocrity … that was the danger when you take a risk.” (Jason La Canfora)
• The decision to fire Kelly on Tuesday allows him to meet with Eagles players and research what leadership is needed moving forward. (Albert Breer)
• Lurie explained that issues between Kelly and players was “one of many factors” in the decision to part ways with him on Tuesday. (Jason La Canfora)
• Lurie did say that he doesn’t think Kelly ultimately lost the locker room. (Albert Breer)
• Lurie confirmed that Howie Roseman remains executive VP of football operations. and will make sure personnel department “is as good as it gets.” (Jason La Canfora)
• Lurie said that: “DeMarco had zero to do with (the firing)” and added that he talks to players on the plane all the time and gets input from them all year. (Mike Garafolo)
• According to Lurie: “I wanted to make Chip accountable for everything he wanted to happen. … That is what he insisted on.” (Mike Garafolo)
• Lurie didn’t rule out anything in regards to their coaching search, adding that they’re still open to looking at college coaches as well as NFL coordinators. (Albert Breer)

Eagles

• Ian Rapoport reports that the Eagles’ brain trust, including Howie Roseman, have spent Wednesday morning researching coaching candidates and making calls to get a headstart in the process of finding their next head coach.
• Jason La Canfora mentions that in the event the Colts make sweeping changes, GM Ryan Grigson is still “very highly thought of by Eagles brass in evaluating capacity.“
• La Canfora could see Bears OC Adam Gase topping the Eagles’ wish list of head-coaching candidates.

Lions

• Lions WR Calvin Johnson said if he had a vote he’d want Jim Caldwell to stay as the team’s head coach. (Tim Twentyman)
• Johnson added that Caldwell is one of his favorite coaches he’s ever had. (Tim Twentyman)
• Lions promoted C Braxton Cave to their active roster. (Tim Twentyman)

Texans

• Ed Werder reports that Texans QB Brian Hoyer has cleared the NFL concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s game, replacing Brandon Weeden.
• Texans signed CB Robert Nelson to their practice squad. (Aaron Wilson)