The news of Chip Kelly's firing shocked the football world on Tuesday evening. But now, nearly 24 later as the news settles in, the Eagles will have to start picking up the pieces and moving forward.
There were surely several reasons for the decision to release Kelly now. Regardless of the reasons, the implications of the decision will certainly hold effect on several people throughout the organization.
Here are five people who benefit the most from Kelly's release.
DeMarco Murray – It was obvious they butted heads through recent weeks and now, DeMarco Murray may get a coach willing to make adjustments to his style. That's in the long-term, and if Murray is willing to wait for a new coach at all — he says he is committed to the Eagles. In the short-term, Murray will probably play more in the final week of the season.
Howie Roseman – Like it or not, as soon as the news was released, Howie Roseman was listed as part of the search committee with Jeffrey Lurie and Don Smolenski in finding a new coach. That seems to point to Roseman also getting back into management at some point. He was the GM before Chip Kelly took all of the power away. With Kelly gone, Roseman may get it back.
Pat Shurmur – For one, he could certainly be a candidate for the vacant head coaching position as the interim coach. Secondly, he's the one who is getting the role of being the interim head coach for one week, which will at least showcase him as a key figure on the coaching staff for teams in need of a coach.
Malcolm Jenkins – It may not have been as big of a headline as DeMarco Murray's clear issues with Kelly, but Malcolm Jenkins was another player who didn't hide his opinion of the former coach. Even as recently as Monday, Jenkins has questioned Kelly's philosophy. There will be a different philosophy next season in Philadelphia now.
Fletcher Cox – While he has grown as a player every year under Kelly, the 3-4 defense just hasn't seemed to be a fit for anyone on the Eagles defense. Imagine a new coach that brings the Eagles back to a 4-3 defense and Fletcher Cox in that new scheme. The Pro Bowler could elevate his game to new heights.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
