So, did everyone learn their lesson? It's never over until the press conference. As I'm sure we're all aware, reports started breaking that Chip Kelly was in negotiations with the Tampa Bay Bucs to become their head coach. In a couple hours, negotiations had become "the ink is all but dry." This reminds me quite a bit of when Bellotti almost went to Ohio State. Except, now we have twitter, so every rumor gets magnified 100x and taken as gospel truth.
Even with the recent news that Chip is staying, this isn't over until we get more official word, and Kelly signs a contract extension and gets another pay raise.
- I'm a bit fuzzy on the timeline, but I believe that Adam Jude was the first to break the "Chip is staying" story, based on sources inside the department. Here's his published story on Kelly's negotiations with Tampa Bay.
- George Schroeder's column today is on what Oregon will do when Chip leaves, which he almost definitely will at some point in the future. And he says that with the resources and (recent) tradition that Oregon has, Oregon isn't going anywhere.
- Here's an interesting quote from Tampa's general manager. On Kelly, "It's become clear his heart just wasn't in it. He is happy in college. These things can happen with college coaches.''
- Now that Chip Kelly is staying, Matt Prehm writes that he must be acting quickly on the trail. There is nine days until national signing day, and he'll need to calm any recruits that got a bit worried. I don't think that'll be very tough. He just turned down the NFL.
- In some non-Chip Kelly news, the guys at FishDuck have been cranking out some great stuff. Of note, they have a Q&A with former Oregon RB Dino Philyaw, and former Oregon WR Patrick Johnson.
- Lastly, lost in the Chip Kelly news, Oregon's basketball team is tied with Cal for first place in the conference. The Ducks get a bit of rest before they host OSU next Sunday. OSU had been struggling, but they swept the LA schools last week, and will provide the Ducks with another test.
It's been a crazy 12 hours, so leave any more thoughts, quack, or anything else in the comments. GO DUCKS!