After his name surfaced as a member of Texas University's wish list of head coaching candidates over the weekend, Chip Kelly categorically denied interest in the position. (Image courtesy of Philly.com)
Chip Kelly doesn't understand why his name continues to surface whenever a high profile college football coaching position opens.
Nevertheless, over the weekend per an ESPN report Kelly's name is on the short list of the University of Texas' short list of candidates to replace Mack Brown who stepped down over the weekend.
"I understand you have to ask the question, but I'm not involved in any other job," Kelly told reporters Monday. "I'm the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. We have to prepare for the Bears, the Cowboys after that and hopefully the playoffs.
"I plan to be here for awhile."
This is the second time this season that Kelly's name was part of speculation at a major University, when earlier this year it was rumored that he could be on his way to USC. A report Kelly denied.
"I really don't know," Kelly said when asked why his name keeps coming up in the coaching carousel conversation less than one year into his first season with the Eagles. "It's just speculation. I haven't spoken to anybody, nor will I speak to anybody."
Part of the Texas report cited that there are certain elements of the college game where Kelly is more comfortable. On Monday he was asked if he considers himself an NFL head coach at this stage of his career and moving forward.
"I consider myself a Pro coach eight times this year and six times I haven't [been]."
Kelly is in the midst of the first season of a five-year deal paying him $6.5 million and is enjoying the success of being in first place in the division with two regular seasons remaining while coaching in one of the more rabid NFL markets in the country.
It's difficult to envision a scenario where he would leave the pinnacle level of his profession to return to the college game, especially given the 18-month Show Cause penalty handed down shortly after his leaving Oregon for the NFL.
Given the fact that Kelly reportedly laughed off the suggestion that he is being considered at Texas Sunday and his strong denial Monday, it's doubtful the first-year Eagles coach will be roaming an NCAA sideline anytime soon.
Matt Lombardo is the Editor-In-Chief of Eagledelphia and also an on-air personality on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the conversation and follow Matt on Twitter.
