Chip Kelly considers offers from Florida, UCLA; turns down Tennessee

George Schroeder | USA TODAY

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The hottest available coaching candidate could pick from one of several schools. At least Florida, Tennessee and UCLA have made overtures or offers to Chip Kelly, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

The offers were in the range of $6 million per year, the person said. The person was not authorized to speak on the matter because of the sensitivity of the situation and requested anonymity.

While Florida is considered by many to be the best available job, Kelly has never been pegged as a conventional thinker. UCLA might appeal to Kelly for several reasons, including its location in the prime recruiting area of Southern California, a lesser spotlight compared to the fishbowl-like attention of the SEC jobs, and his familiarity with the Pac-12.

Kelly turned down a recent offer from Tennessee, the person said. He is also believed to have turned away interest from Nebraska. According to multiple reports, Florida officials including the school’s president met with Kelly on Sunday night, hours after UCLA announced the firing of Jim Mora Jr. Kelly expressed the desire to weigh his options.

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A potential sticking point with UCLA is the school’s association with Under Armour, because of Kelly’s close relationship with Nike founder Phil Knight, who considers Under Armour a bitter rival.

Kelly is also believed to be intrigued by a potential opportunity at Arizona State, where Todd Graham’s status is tenuous. The Sun Devils have a relationship with Adidas, but that might not be as difficult an issue with Knight.

Kelly, who turns 54 Saturday, is currently working as an ESPN analyst after he was fired by the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. His teams were 46-7 in four seasons at Oregon, with four consecutive BCS bowl appearances. He was 28-36 in four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and the 49ers.

Other jobs expected to open include Arkansas and Nebraska. The Houston Chronicle reported Texas A&M is prepared to force out Kevin Sumlin after the Aggies conclude the regular season Saturday at LSU.

Kelly left Oregon in 2013, shortly before the NCAA tagged him with an 18-month show-cause order for his involvement in recruiting violations. The show cause has expired, but could be an issue for some would-be employers. SEC schools would have to clear his hiring with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, but indications are that wouldn’t be a hindrance.