Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly rejects Tampa Bay Buccaneers offer - NFL News
It seemed for a while that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had finalised their search for a new head coach with Oregon Ducks' coach, Chip Kelly taking over the duties, but on Monday, a statement by the university confirmed that Kelly will not be taking over the
struggling National Football League (NFL) franchise.
"I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' organization. I enjoyed meeting with the Glazer family and general manager Mark Dominik but after numerous discussions, I concluded that I have some unfinished business to complete at the University
of Oregon," Kelly said in a statement released by the school.
The Buccaneers have now according to sources have asked ex-Green Bay Packers' coach, Mike Sherman to give a second interview with the franchise and he looks set to be announced as the new Buccaneers head coach.
Kelly on Sunday seemed to be on the verge of joining the NFL franchise as both parties were negotiating a contract.
The Ducks coach refusal has been met with happiness at Oregon, who are proud to retain the services of their successful coach who this season led the side to a Rose Bowl trophy.
Oregon athletic director Rob Mullen’s said in his statement to the press.
"We are pleased with Coach Kelly's decision to remain as our head coach. Coach Kelly has provided great leadership and remains committed to building on our position among the elite college football programs in the country."
Sherman had previously interviewed with the Buccaneers and is also in the running for the offensive coordinator role at the Miami Dolphins and will now be the frontrunner for the vacant position, with the Buccaneers look to rebuild from a horrendous 2011
regular season.
The Buccaneers ended the season 4-12 and bottom of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division and the results led to the dismissal of rookie head coach Raheem Morris.
The Buccaneers in 2010 had gone 10-6 under Morris and were primed for a shot at the playoffs in the 2011 season. They did not disappoint as by week 6 the Buccaneers went 4-2 but things turned for the worse after that.
The Bucs lost 10 straight games and fans started turning on their head coach and the team as the performances went from bad to worse culminating in the owners sacking the young coach along with the entire coaching staff to placate the fans.
The owners also announced the Bucs withdrawal from the NFL’s international games program which had been a source of much of the fans derision.
Currently, the Buccaneers' search for a new head coach continues with other names also under consideration for the job.
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