Chip Kelly after firing: ‘My players mean the world to me’

Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly released a statement in wake of his firing on Tuesday.

Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly released a statement Wednesday in wake of his Tuesday firing.

“I’m grateful to Jeffrey Lurie for allowing me to coach his Philadelphia Eagles for the past three seasons. I deeply regret that we did not bring this great city and its fans the championship they deserve,” Kelly wrote. “I was blessed to work with a gifted and hard-working coaching staff every day, and they will succeed wherever they go.

“Finally, my players mean the world to me. I will miss them very much and I will be rooting for them to achieve their dreams. Life is all about responding to challenges and seizing opportunities.”

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Kelly was hired by the Eagles in 2013 after going 46–7 in four seasons at Oregon. He went 10–6 in his first season, winning the division and losing in the NFC Wild Card game, and went 10–6 again in 2014 but missed the playoffs. The Eagles were a disappointing 6–9 this season following a series of personnel moves Kelly made, including trading for quarterback Sam Bradford, trading running back LeSean McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso, and signing running back DeMarco Murray to replace McCoy.

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will coach the Eagles in their final game of the season against the Giants on Sunday. 

- Jeremy Woo