Chip Kelly

(Photo by Thomas Boyd, The Oregonian)

It's Black Monday in the NFL and - so far - seven coaches have been fired. They are the following: Philadelphia's Andy Reid, Cleveland's Pat Shurmur, San Diego's Norv Turner, Chicago's Lovie Smith, Buffalo's Chan Gailey, Kansas City's Romeo Crennel and Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt.

Here is what is being said in the wake of the dismissals that has potential relevance for the Oregon Ducks, whose coach, Chip Kelly, is widely thought to be a target of NFL general managers and/or owners.

First, Kelly addressed the media this morning in Arizona, where the Ducks are preparing for Thursday's Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State.

I asked Chip if part of avoiding NFL distractions is not talking to his agent between now and Thursday: "There are no distractions big guy." — Erik Elken (@Erik_Elken) December 31, 2012

Also asked if it has been a dream of his to coach in the NFL: "No." Said his dream was to do the best job he can each day. — Erik Elken (@Erik_Elken) December 31, 2012

NFL insiders such as Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports suggest that Philadelphia and Cleveland - of the teams with openings - are the two most likely to target Kelly:

The Browns and Eagles will both pursue Chip Kelly aggressively. Eagles also high on Jay Gruden. Both like Bill O'Brien as well ... — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 31, 2012

Which leads to beat reporters in Cleveland and Philadelphia asking former Ducks T.J. Ward and Casey Matthews for their thoughts on their old coach:

#Browns S T.J. Ward praised his former coach, Oregon's Chip Kelly. Knows he can win in NFL..Kelly told PD last year he loves Ward too. — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 31, 2012

Casey Matthews: I think Chip Kelly wants to get back to the East Coast. That's where his family and friends are. — Les Bowen (@LesBowen) December 31, 2012

In Cleveland, Browns owner

Jimmy Haslam addressed the media to discuss the process for hiring his next coach (and general manager, since that position is now open as well).



#Browns Haslam: "We're going to begin very quickly to look for a new head coach first, then GM.'' — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 31, 2012

#Browns Haslam said team won't be commenting on coach or GM candidates. Will try to find right people "if it takes a week or a month.'' — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 31, 2012

#Browns Haslam and Banner said head coach will play a bigger role going forward will help decide on GM. — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 31, 2012

#Browns Haslam" "We're not going to get into specific names. We think this is a very attractive job...Head coach will have final say/roster' — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 31, 2012

Meanwhile, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie held a press conference in Philadelphia:

Lurie: Have assembled a list of candidates to replace Reid over the last month. — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 31, 2012

Lurie said he wants "someone who's innovative, someone who's not afraid to take risks" and understands where the game is going. — Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) December 31, 2012

Lurie: New head coach will report to me. — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 31, 2012

Lurie: No interviews set up yet. — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 31, 2012

Lurie on Roseman remaining GM: "It's in very good hands." — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 31, 2012

Roseman said the #Eagles have not made a final decision on Michael Vick. — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 31, 2012

Back in Arizona, Ducks players and coaches were asked about Kelly and what a possible coaching change would mean to them:

Oregon CB Terrance Mitchell on coach Chip Kelly and the NFL: "We'll have to deal with it when that comes." #fiestabowl — Gary Horowitz (@GHorowitz) December 31, 2012

Ducks RB coach Gary Campbell on Kelly possibly leaving: "It's part of the territory. You can't worry about those things." #fiestabowl — Gary Horowitz (@GHorowitz) December 31, 2012

Oregon WR Josh Huff on Kelly: "He's built an environment around here that's built to last." #fiestabowl — Gary Horowitz (@GHorowitz) December 31, 2012