The Philadelphia Eagles have started their search for a new head coach after Chip Kelly was fired and the team has looked at one of their own, interviewing running backs coach Duce Staley for the job. The Eagles have Sam Bradford hitting free agency and his return is uncertain, while DeMarco Murray likely will be back after being frustrated with his role in Kelly's offense.
The Eagles parted ways with Kelly last week ahead of the final game of the season to help get a jump on finding a new head coach. Owner Jeffrey Lurie released a statement about the move to fans and said that the team needed to move in a new direction after taking a step back and missing the playoffs this season. According to ESPN.com, Ed Werder reports that the Eagles have interviewed running backs coach Duce Staley as a potential option to replace Kelly.
Werder reports that Lurie interviewed Staley for the head coaching job and he also fills the Rooney Rule requirement for the team as they continue their coaching search. Staley is a former running back who played for the Eagles and has been with the team as a coach since 2013 and he also served as an assistant under Andy Reid. Staley and interim head coach Pat Shurmur could both be potential options to take over for Kelly, while names like Adam Gase and Mike Shula also could be targets.
The Eagles have a major move to make by finding a new head coach, but there are also some other pressing questions and decisions to figure out moving forward. Sam Bradford is a free agent and could be an option to return, while running back DeMarco Murray was unhappy with his role on the team this season and could consider trying to force his way out of Philly. The coaching change likely makes a Murray move less likely, but there still is a chance the team could consider trading or releasing the RB depending on who is hired.
Kelly brought in Murray on a contract and traded for Bradford, who has had an up and down season with the Eagles. Bradford is going to be off his rookie contract, so he won't be as expensive as he was, but there is a chance the new coach may want to move in a different direction. According to ESPN, Bradford said that he has "enjoyed" his time with the team, but added that his return likely depends on "who they hire as a head coach."
