Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that former 49ers HC Chip Kelly has become a “legitimate candidate” to replace Kyle Shanahan as the Falcons offensive coordinator.
According to Schultz, being fired twice in the past two years has “humbled” Kelly and convinced him he needs to make some philosophical changes to his offense. Schultz says that the Falcons value Kelly’s offensive mind but they no have intention of allowing him run his consistently uptempo offense, considering the effect it can have on the team’s defense.
Schultz adds that the Falcons’ offensive coordinator’s job will be an attractive position, but they’re still left in a tough position, as there aren’t that many price candidates still available at this point in the year.
As for possibly losing assistants to the 49ers and Shanahan, Schultz mentions that Atlanta will block any attempts to hire high-profile assistants from their staff by Shanahan. This includes assistant HC/WRs coach Raheem Morris, RBs coach Bobby Turner and OL coach Chris Morgan.
However, Schultz believes it’s much more likely offensive assistants Mike McDaniel and Mike Lafleur could join Shanahan in San Francisco with QBs coach Matt Lafleur also being a possibility.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (NFLTR) reported a few weeks ago that Falcons HC Dan Quinn already has three offensive coordinator candidates he’s interested in speaking to as potential replacements for Shanahan including Kelly.
Kelly, 53, was hired by the Eagles back in 2013 as their head coach. He lasted just under three years in Philadelphia before he was fired during the 2015 season. The 49ers hired him as their head coach soon after.
Since taking the Eagles’ head-coaching job back in 2013, Kelly has produced a record of 28-35 (44.4 percent) as an NFL head coach for Philadelphia and San Francisco including one playoff appearance while he was with the Eagles.
We will provide more information regarding Kelly and the Falcons as the news is available.
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