Philadelphia Eagles fire head coach Chip Kelly
Wednesday 30 December 2015 09:38, UK
Philadelphia Eagles have fired head coach Chip Kelly less than one week before the end of the regular season.
Amid fan discontent over Kelly's tactics, trade moves and player management, he was ditched three days after the 6-9 Eagles fell out of play-off contention with a loss to NFC East rivals Washington.
"We appreciate all the contributions that Chip Kelly made and wish him every success going forward," said owner Jeffrey Lurie.
Pat Shurmur will be interim head coach for Sunday's season finale against the Giants in New York where the Eagles will bid to snap a two-game losing streak.
Kelly, 52, had a 26-21 record in three seasons in Philadelphia.
The Eagles also released Ed Marynowitz, vice president of player personnel. His replacement is Tom Donahoe, who has been senior football advisor for the Eagles since 2012.
This season the Eagles rank last in the league in time of possession while Kelly's tactics have been criticised by fans and there have also been grumblings about his interpersonal skills in relating to some of his players.
His move to the Eagles was his first NFL job after he had spent more than two decades coaching in college ranks.
