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Marc Ross (left) was involved with the Eagles selection of Donovan McNabb (right). Maybe he could help them find their next franchise quarterback. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Pinkus and the New York Giants)

Chip Kelly's next move could define the rest of his career as head coach of the Eagles.

Given total control over personnel decisions and the right to hire his right-hand man, they may call it a general manager or whatever they want, he needs to find the right person.

Kelly can coach. There isn't much doubt about that. Now, he needs a strong personnel man to find the players he needs and wants and not just those who play in the Pac 12.

Early speculation is on Ed Maynowitz being promoted from his current role as assistant director of player personnel. All indications are Maynowitz is a bright, young personnel man, but he's not real experienced. Kelly needs a guy who has been around and may be better off going outside of the organization for his guy.

Here are five men he should definitely look into before he makes his final choice.

Marc Ross, Giants: There isn't a better talent evaluator in the league. A Philadelphia native and a Princeton University grad, Ross began his career with the Eagles and could be convinced to come home. He was the director of college scouting for some of the team's best drafts ('99, 00, 02). Currently, he's the Giants No. 2 man to GM Jerry Reese. And he does have those two Super Bowl rings.

Will McClay, Dallas Cowboys: The assistant director of player personnel has the tough task of working for Jerry and Stephen Jones and yet Dallas' drafts have gone pretty well the past couple of years. The 48-year-old Rice grad was a successful coach in the AFL before becoming a personnel man for the 'Boys in 2009.

Alonzo Highsmith, Green Bay Packers: A former running back for Houston and Tampa Bay after being a first-round pick out of the University of Miami, Highsmith has spent the past 16 years in the Green Bay organization and is highly respected around the league. The 49-year-old is currently a senior personnel executive for the Packers, who live and die by the draft.

Todd Brunner, Seattle Seahawks: This would be a big jump for Brunner, 45, who is currently a top area scout for the Super Bowl champions, but he's ready to make it. A New Jersey native and resident, Brunner began his career with the Eagles, before moving on to Cleveland, San Francisco and Seattle. His father, John, was a long-time coach and scout and his brother Scott was a quarterback for the Giants.

Brandon Hunt, Pittsburgh Steelers: Hunt is another bright, young rising star in the personnel business. Coming out of a strong organization, the 34-year-old is the Steelers' pro scouting coordinator, but he also knows the college game and would be able to run the draft.

Follow Mark Eckel on Twitter at @MarkEckel08. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.Contact Mark Eckel at mjeck04@verizon.net.

