Chip Kelly: Sources Say Coach Will Remain at Oregon

It was a strange weekend for the Oregon Ducks fanbase, as many believed their head coach, Chip Kelly, would be departing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NFL. 

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported via Twitter that Kelly is going to stay at Oregon, which has to ease the minds of all Duck fans. 

Hours later, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik said of Chip Kelly that "His heart is with college football and Oregon and he's no longer being considered."

Brett McMurphy of CBSSports tweeted Kelly's statement. 

It was reported on Sunday that Kelly and the Buccaneers were close to a deal, but after thinking it over, Kelly is choosing to stay with the school that gave him his first head coaching job. 

In three seasons as Oregon head coach, Kelly has placed first in the conference each time, finally picking up his first bowl win with the Ducks this past season. Prior to winning this past season's Rose Bowl, Kelly and Oregon lost the BCS National Championship Game and the Rose Bowl.

That's a very impressive start to his head coaching career. Now it appears Kelly wants to build on that and make it even better.

With running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas leaving for the NFL, the 2012 season could get a little difficult for the Ducks. 

They still are loaded with talent, and an easy schedule should help them reclaim the top spot in the Pac-12 North. 

Of course, there are possible NCAA sanctions headed Oregon's way, which is why some weren't surprised when it was announced Kelly would also be leaving the Ducks for the NFL. 

If you don't consider the possible NCAA punishment, staying with Oregon is Kelly's best option. He doesn't have any NFL experience, so it could have ended poorly in Tampa. 

Factoring in the NCAA makes it a litter harder, but nobody really knows what will happen with Oregon, so the whole situation is tough to gauge.

Although, ESPN's Joe Schad reported via Twitter that Ducks don't think the sanctions will be too bad. 

Thinking solely on football and the school, Oregon is a great place, especially considering how much stronger the Ducks are than a lot of other Pac-12 teams. Plus, having Nike in your backyard certainly helps in recruiting. 

It remains uncertain what made Kelly change his mind about the NFL, but his choosing to stay with Oregon is a great decision because if he plays his cards right, he could continue to build the Ducks into a dominant national powerhouse. 

As for the Buccaneers, their quest for a new head coach is proving to be harder than what many expected. The majority of other teams that needed new head coaches have hired new guys, but Tampa Bay continues to struggle. 

Stay tuned with Bleacher Report as we update you with more details as they emerge.