Chip Kelly likely to remain at UCLA after Oregon hires Dan Lanning
LA TimesOregon’s expected hiring of Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning as its next football coach, which was confirmed by several news outlets Saturday, almost assures that Chip Kelly will return to UCLA next season barring a move to the NFL or a contract extension impasse that becomes contentious. UCLA wants to retain Kelly after he guided the team to its best season since 2015, according to two people familiar with the situation who were not authorized to comment publicly, and hopes to agree to a contract extension soon. “And that’s what I feel like with these players and this coaching staff.” Kelly’s stock has risen at UCLA thanks to the team’s upward trajectory, from 3-9 in 2018 to 4-8 in 2019 to 3-4 in 2020 to 8-4 2021, as well as a belief that the Bruins can contend for greater success in the coming seasons. Among others, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, running back Zach Charbonnet, tight end Greg Dulcich and left tackle Sean Rhyan face questions about their future and could conceivably return next season.