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LISTEN: Florida insider explains remaining hurdles in possible Chip Kelly to Florida development
By Paul Harvey
Published:
It looks like the Chip Kelly to Florida story is picking up some serious steam.
The Florida Gators are still searching for their next head football coach after parting ways with Jim McElwain. McElwain was coming off of back-to-back SEC East titles with the team, but a rough season on the field and other issues off of it led to the decision.
A report surfaced last week that the Gators had focused their attention on three candidates, and a Monday report indicated that Kelly was indeed being looked at for the opening.
Here is the original tweet from sports agent and Florida insider Darren Heitner with the story that Kelly was being considered:
Confirmed that UF is looking at Chip Kelly as next head coach. Decision could be as soon as this week. Also heard that Florida was becoming very frustrated with Jimmy Sexton, who represents many other potential candidates. Chip is represented by David Dunn.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) November 13, 2017
Heitner then made an appearance on The Opening Drive radio show, and he indicated fans could see something develop this week if the SEC provides clearance. The Opening Drive Twitter account shared Heitner’s comments:
.@DarrenHeitner: "If Florida feels comfortable with Chip Kelly and gets clearance from the SEC on his past NCAA issues, we could see something develop this week."
— The Jay Barker Show (@Jaybarkershow) November 14, 2017
Kelly rose to prominence with the Oregon Ducks but left in the midst of an NCAA investigation in 2013. That investigation found Kelly had violated NCAA rules and banned him from college football for 18 months.
Kelly had already left Oregon for the NFL when a decision came down. The time of his suspension has since passed, but reports are indicating that the SEC would still need to approve his entrance to the league following his issues at Oregon.
It will be interesting to watch how this story develops, but it sure looks like Kelly to the Gators is a real possibility.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Florida insider Darren Heitner on what he's hearing about Chip Kelly https://t.co/DgRqUo0L83 via @audioBoom
— WJOX 94.5 FM (@WJOX945) November 14, 2017
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
