Chip Kelly Comments on Potentially Returning to Coach College Football

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for a Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, head coach Chip Kelly is being asked about his future and a possible return to the college ranks.

Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Kelly didn't seem open to discussing anything other than his current gig Tuesday:

While Kelly is right to deflect any questions about what may happen after this season, especially with his Eagles just one game behind the NFC East-leading New York Giants, he cannot stop the speculation about what may happen if Philadelphia continues to spiral.

Kelly made several roster moves that were considered bold in some corners and odd in others during the offseason. As Greg A. Bedard of Sports Illustrated noted in March, "Reaction around the league has been more of the wait-and-see variety." Bedard relayed comments from Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, who said of Kelly, "Certainly he has his strategy and the way he wants to build his team. You've got to respect him for that. He seems very convicted in how he wants to do his roster."

The questions aren't likely to go away either with the number of high-profile college jobs that could be open. LSU's Les Miles is reportedly on the hot seat, according to ESPN.com's Joe Schad. There are also gigs open at Miami (Florida), USC, South Carolina and Missouri.

Those are major programs that can throw a ton of money at Kelly to convince him to return to college football if his tenure with the Eagles goes down in flames. He still has two years left on a five-year deal after 2015, but the seat is warm after a 4-6 start in 2015.