Jimmy Johnson thinks Eagles should keep Michael Vick

Jimmy Johnson has been where new Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly wants to go: A hot college coach who becomes a smashing success in the NFL.

Johnson — who won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys after winning a national championship at Miami (Fla.) — knows what one of his first big decisions would be if he were in Kelly's shoes as the new Eagles coach: He'd build his offense around Michael Vick as his starting quarterback.

"If Vick can stay healthy," Johnson, now a Fox analyst, told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.

There's been much speculation about Vick's future in Philadelphia, and the quarterback, 32, seemed resigned to the notion that with a six-year, $100 million contract and the presence of third-round pick Nick Foles, he could be released during the offseason.

Now it's Kelly's call for determining Vick's status.

"I'd keep him," Johnson said of Vick. "He's got too much talent to let get away."

Talent was a big advantage for Kelly at Oregon, where he built an elite program underscored by a 46-7 mark over the past four years. Kelly undoubtedly blossomed into a hot NFL coaching prospect with a high-powered spread offense.

"I think he would have to make some adjustments to his offense in the NFL," Johnson said. "It's a matter of him fitting his players into his system, and adjusting his system to the NFL. I think he knows that. He's a good football coach."

Johnson made the jump in 1989 and quickly proved able. The Cowboys won a Super Bowl in his fourth pro season. Yet so many other hot college coaches flopped in the NFL, most notably Steve Spurrier with the Washington Redskins.

What type of results will define Kelly's move?

"I don't know him," Johnson said, "But hey, he had a lot of success at Oregon. He's obviously a good football coach. I know one thing: It'll be interesting to watch."

Follow Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell