The Tampa Bay Buccaneers relented in their pursuit of Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly on Monday morning, and the University has issued a written statement confirming Kelly will remain its head coach.
“I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization," says Kelly in the statement. I enjoyed meeting with the Glazer family and General Manager Mark Dominik, but after numerous discussions, I concluded that I have some unfinished business to complete at the University of Oregon.”
Reports, from both Tampa and Eugene, indicating Kelly had accepted the Bucs' coaching position circulated Sunday night. But by Monday morning, new reports holding that Kelly changed his mind began to emerge.
Having lost out on Kelly, whose Ducks have won the Pac-12 conference in each of their last three seasons, Tampa Bay's coaching search continues. It dismissed former coach Raheem Morris after his squad ended the season on a 10-game losing streak and in last place in the NFC South.
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