Alright, it looks like Chip Kelly wants to go about 90 miles away from Buffalo. However, I got my Q&A back from the guys over at The Duck Stops Here and I'm not about to let it go to waste. So, let's pretend the reports are wrong like some idiot who reported that Buddy Nix was going to retire last year.
1) Can you tell me about his offense and do you think it will translate at the NFL level?
Fans and analysts make the mistake of thinking Kelly will bring the Oregon offense to the NFL. Not so. He's a football coach. He'll adapt his scheme to the talent. And Bills fans should know better than anyone that the hurry-up, no-huddle style of offense can work in the NFL. Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas took it to four Super Bowls.
2) What type of QB, RB and WRs would Kelly want? Strong armed? athletic? pocket passer? pass catching back? speedsters?
Kelly loves speed. He loves intelligent players with a good work ethic and commitment to team goals.
3) What can you tell me about how Kelly views defense?
He started in football as a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator. He has a terrific understanding of defense and its importance. Most importantly, he's smart enough to delegate and give a good coordinator a lot of autonomy.
4) How would you describe his game management style?
Very aggressive. Believes in confidence through preparation ("pressure is what you feel when you don't know what you are doing.") Goes for two. Goes for it on 4th down. Not afraid to run a fake punt or an onside kick. Can be a little stubborn in sticking to the plan. In the few games he's lost at Oregon (46-7) he is sometimes slow to adjust.
5) What would it take to get him to come to the NFL…Team or market situation? Do you think he will?
Money isn't the biggest factor, although he'll get a ton of it. Like most successful coaches he's a competition junkie, and wants the challenge of coaching at the highest level.
6) What is his personality like?
Kelly talks fast. He can be sarcastic, abrupt, and abrasive with the media. But he's loves his players and staff and enjoys great relationships with them. Very much a New England guy, no-nonsense, to the point.
7) I have memories of when Spurrier came to the NFL and how he tried bringing in all of his retread Florida Gator guys like Danny Wuerffel and Shane Matthews. It failed. Do you see Kelly as being someone who would try to build his schemes around the talent he has or will he shoehorn his scheme into whatever players he gets?
Not like Spurrier at all. Has a keen eye for talent and guys who will fit and buy in. Immediately upgraded both at Oregon and built a powerhouse by choosing fast, talented athletes who would commit to winning and preparation. Looks for guys who have ability, but also work ethic and character. Much more like Bill Belichick than the Ol' Ball Coach.
8) I asked Twitter what questions they wanted asked and here they are: Is he a fucken putz? Will he bring Oregon uniforms here?
Very solid, stand-up guy. Not a putz in any way. Doesn't care about uniforms. That's from Nike and the AD office, and he embraces it because it appeals to players and recruits.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
