Sources close to Chip Kelly have told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the San Francisco 49ers head coach is not just paying lip service to the idea that he isn't interested to returning to his former Oregon coaching job or any college job, despite speculation to the contrary.

They say Kelly is staying with San Francisco through the thick and thin of this challenging season.

Despite speculation to the contrary, sources say Chip Kelly is staying with the 49ers. AP Photo/Ben Margot

Colleges that privately have made overtures to Kelly's representatives have been told in no uncertain terms that Kelly is not interested in going back to school.

Last weekend The Oregonian speculated that if there were an opening at Oregon, Kelly could go back to school.

Even billionaire Oregon booster Phil Knight attended last Sunday's 49ers game as Kelly's guest. But when asked about the Oregon opening last week, Kelly said: "No. I'm the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. So, not looking at anything else. I'm here."

Those who know and have spoken with Kelly backed up his words and say he is not going anywhere.

Kelly is in his first season with the 49ers, who are 1-6 going into Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Kelly signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the 49ers in January.

Oregon (3-6) lost 45-20 to USC on Saturday, the third time in the Ducks' past five games that they've lost by more than 17 points. The team's struggles have led to much speculation about the future of Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich.

Helfrich succeeded Kelly as head coach of Oregon in 2013 after serving as its offensive coordinator from 2009 to '12.

Oregon needs to win its last three games -- home against Stanford, at Utah and at Oregon State -- to earn a bowl game.