Chip Kelly the next Patriots head coach?

As unfathomable as it is to think of life without Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady only has so many years left in him. One can only imagine that Bill will stick around for just a few years after the Brady Era, or maybe even split as soon as TB12 does. It's actually a scary thought; having arguably the greatest coach of all time on top of the greatest coach-QB tandem ever, then having to move on from it.

Anyways, reports are coming out (courtesy of NESN) of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly waiting it out for a "dream job" that would land him with the New England Patriots as a successor to Belichick. Kelly turned down offers from the Eagles, Browns and Bills to stay at Oregon with the Ducks. His unique situation at Oregon in which he has full and total control of the program could be easily compared to Belichick and the Patriots. It should also be noted that Kelly has openly preached his admiration for Bill and even visited the Patriots at the beginning of the 2012 season.


A New Hampshire native, Kelly has brought the Ducks program to national attention. The up-tempo-option offense using a a mobile quarterback has been very effective in the NCAA. Although this style has been pushed aside in the NFL, teams with younger quarterbacks like the Seahawks and Redskins have proven to succeed with a similarly styled offense. It is assumed that Belichick will be here at least until Brady retires. So, without Brady and Belichick, what would the Patriots have to lose at that point? Why not try a speed offense with the guy who has mastered it at the second-highest level of football?

Don't get me wrong, by no means am I looking forward to Brady or Belichick leaving the Patriots. Those will be some of the saddest days in Patriots history. This is just a fun thought that could maybe alleviate the pain.