Chip Kelly: Ducks Head Coach Makes Smart Decision by Returning to Oregon

For the second consecutive year, Chip Kelly flirted with the NFL. And for the second consecutive year, Kelly made the correct decision by returning to Oregon.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kelly seriously considered joining the Philadelphia Eagles before deciding to stay in Eugene:

"

Chip Kelly turned down a chance to go to the NFL and to returned to Oregon, according to sources. Considered Eagles but stayed at Oregon.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2013"

Kelly's decision may have been influenced by the persuasive (i.e., insanely rich) Nike chairman Phil Knight, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

"

Push coming from #Oregon booster Phil Knight, I hear. 1 factor pulling Chip Kelly back to Oregon. Eagles, Browns regrouping. No decisions

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2013"

But whatever the reason for his decision, it was undoubtedly the correct one.

Kelly is building a powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest, and it would be foolish to leave now. In four years with the Ducks, Kelly has posted a record of 46-7. He has led his team to four consecutive BCS bowls, and blue-chip prospects around the country are begging to play in his up-tempo offense.

Unless he would just like a change of pace, there is simply no reason for Kelly to leave any time soon.

He's already making millions ($3.5 million per year), and his contract is loaded with incentives. He also has complete control over his personnel, he gets to live in a beautiful part of the country and the folks in Oregon treat him like a god.

The Ducks will also be a national title contender again next season, as key players like Marcus Mariota, De'Anthony Thomas and Josh Huff will all be returning.

When you consider all that, it's clear that Kelly made the right decision.