Kelly set to interview with Browns
Oregon coach Chip Kelly began formally discussing potential jobs with NFL teams Friday when he interviewed with the Cleveland Browns for their opening.
Kelly said after the Ducks' 35-17 win over Kansas State on Thursday night in Fiesta Bowl that he'll listen to offers and hopes to completed the process quickly.
"It's a fact-finding mission, finding if it fits or doesn't fit," Kelly said "I don't really have any preconceived notions about it. That's what this deal is all about for me.
"It's not going to affect (Oregon) because we're not on the road (recruiting). So it'll be an opportunity if people do call, see where they are. I want to get it wrapped up quickly and figure out where I'm going to be."
Kelly has openly acknowledged that he's willing to listen to NFL suitors. Among the teams reportedly interested are the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers.
Reported by several media outlets to be the top choice of the Browns, Kelly was set to be interviewed by team owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner in Arizona. They're attempting to replace Pat Shurmur, who was fired earlier this week.
"I said I'll always listen. And that's what I'll do," Kelly said. "I know that people want to talk to me because of our players. The success of our football program has always been about our guys. It's an honor for someone to say they'd want to talk to me about maybe moving on to go coach in the National Football League. But it's because of what those guys do. I'll listen, and we'll see."
Kelly, 49, has gone 46-7 in four seasons at Oregon and taken his teams to four BCS bowl games during that span. But he has no NFL experience on his resume.
Prior to interviewing Kelly, the Browns spoke with Penn State's Bill O'Brien, who decided to stay in his current job, Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton, The Plain Dealer reported.
Kelly indicated that his conversation with the Browns would be his first direct contact with an NFL team.
"I've only been on one interview in my life," said Kelly, who spoke with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year about their head-coaching opening. "I can't really tell you I have a checklist of what I'm looking for."
