Harry How - Getty Images
5 months ago: PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks talks with Darron Thomas #5 and LaMichael James #21 in the first half as the Ducks take on the Wisconsin Badgers at the 98th Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Sunday night an unexpected variable entered into Tampa Bay's search for a head coach, currently looking to replace the recently fired Raheem Morris who spent three years as the Buccaneers head coach. Reports surfaced that Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly was close to an agreement to become Tampa Bay's newest head coach. However ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Monday morning that Kelly has removed himself for consideration, saying that "It's a no-go."

Though it is ironic that Kelly pulled himself out of consideration hours after the report went public, this mostly has to do with money. Kelly agreed to a six-year deal worth $20.5 million in September 2010, which includes a $3.5 million buyout. The agreement also includes a "15 day notice in writing" before he's allowed to terminate his employment with Oregon. Though successful in college, the Glazer brothers perhaps decided against paying too much for what amounts to be a rookie head coach in the NFL.
If Kelly had taken the job then it would inched Mike Zimmer closer to Cincinnati, allowing him to serve out the remainder of his three-year contract. Instead Zimmer is one of several candidates to take the position, many of whom are strong offensive minds (at least strong in terms of who's available) that could serve the team better, helping quarterback Josh Freeman's growth.
Zimmer has also been attached to the Indianapolis Colts vacant head coaching position, but we believe that the reported interview that's yet to take place will be merely exploratory. After all Zimmer has been named as a candidate for several NFL teams this year.
0 recs | 9 comments
Zimmer would be perfect for Tampa
Glad they don’t see it.
Bengals_or_Die - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Well that is a buzz-kill
I was hoping we could scratch that one off the list of possible new homes for coach Z.
UpStateMike - January 23, 2012
Same here, thought we got through another one unscathed........
The Van Buren Boys - January 23, 2012
LOL
But now they might hire Zim
Tampa_Bengal - January 23, 2012
That's my point.....not worried about Oregon's coach.
Was hoping they’d hire him so Zim had less of a chance to leave.
The Van Buren Boys - January 23, 2012
Zimm please stay
Tmays and Reggie need you for their development.You can make them the best tandem in the North conference
Coldmutha - January 23, 2012
Kelly decided to stay
When he realized how uncool Indy’s helmets were. He can’t be having that.
steve henderson - January 23, 2012
it was Tampa
joeb69 - January 23, 2012
Doof....joke fail
Need moar sleep.
steve henderson - January 23, 2012
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