ESPN announced Friday that it has hired former San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly, who joins the network as a studio analyst. He will be part of the Saturday college football coverage but will also appear Sundays on SportsCenter to provide NFL analysis.
Kelly said the following via a statement released by the Associated Press:
"I spoke with a lot of people this offseason about different situations for me — in coaching and TV. I had various opportunities in both. In the end, I have had a relationship with ESPN for many years from when I was coaching and after speaking with them, I decided it was the best step for me to take."
Kelly said the following in a statement issued by ESPN:
"Over the last 30 years, I have experienced football from one perspective -- as a coach. Working in television will allow me to see the game from a different angle; simultaneously, I'll provide viewers an insight to the mindset of a coach and team while offering alternative views of various situations. Once I decided to make the move to TV, my familiarity with ESPN, combined with their high-quality production and vital role in college football, it was easily the best network suited for me."
Kelly was fired by the 49ers on January 1 following the team's final game of the season – a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Like his predecessor, Jim Tomsula, Kelly lasted just one season with San Francisco. The 49ers finished the 2016 season with a 2-14 record. Also fired along with Kelly was general manager Trent Baalke, leaving the 49ers searching for replacements for both.
This past season, the 49ers offense ranked 27th in scoring, 31st in total yards, and last in passing yards.
Prior to his time with the 49ers, Kelly spent three seasons as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Before that, he spent four seasons as the head coach of Oregon's football program.
Lee Fitting, ESPN's senior coordinating producer, said the following in a statement:
"Chip is one of the most innovative football minds of our generation. As a coach, he saw the game from a unique perspective, never afraid to take an unconventional approach. We want him to bring that mentality to our college football coverage each week, offering fans a varying viewpoint outside of the conventional thought process."