49ers’ Chip Kelly says he’s not returning to Oregon

Today, less than 24 hours after Oregon fired head coach Mark Helfrich, the 49ers head coach responded "no" when asked if there was any chance he would be Oregon's next head coach. Three weeks ago, Kelly offered the same sentiment when asked about leaving the NFL to return to college. [...] his statements didn't eliminate speculation because of his strong ties to Oregon, where he spent six seasons as the offensive coordinator or head coach from 2007-12, posting a 46-7 record in the latter role. Kelly is also close friends with Nike founder, Phil Knight, a massive Oregon donor, who attended the 49ers' home game against Tampa Bay on Oct. 23. On Nov. 8, Kelly noted Knight also attended games when he was the Eagles head coach from 2013-15. "I haven't talked to a college since I've been in the NFL, and that's not my goal," Kelly said at the time.