The Eagles were off on Tuesday, but that didn't stop rampant speculation about head coach Chip Kelly's future from being brought to the forefront once again.
After USC fired troubled former head coach Steve Sarkisian Monday, Kelly's name was quickly mentioned as a top candidate to lead the Trojans next season.
"Kelly is the top candidate until he says he isn't," CBS college football analyst Dennis Dodd said. "If his NFL career devolves into some sort of Spurrier-esque dalliance, then Chipper is a perfect fit. Even if Kelly wins nine games this year, he'd have to at least seriously consider the opportunity. He knows the territory in the Pac-12 and would inherit that talent-rich Southern California recruiting territory, the one he had to fly two hours to reach while at Oregon.
"If it hasn't happened already, there will be influential boosters/administration who will at least gauge Kelly's level of interest. USC has to, doesn't it? (Though the school's track record for due diligence isn't great lately.)"
While it certainly is possible that Kelly could leave the Eagles for USC or any top college job to offer substantially more money than the $6.5 million per year Jeffrey Lurie is paying the head coach with two years remaining on his current contract, it seems unlikely for many reasons.
Kelly has made his feelings about coaching in the NFL being the pinnacle of the coaching profession and his desire to hoist the Lombardi Trophy well known since leaving Oregon in 2013. Likewise, Kelly's disdain for the ancillary aspects of being a major college coach such as dealing with influential boosters and the rigors of 365 day a year recruiting cycles well known.
Anything is possible, but this speculation is just that at this point. Speculation. Kelly will address the media on Thursday, until then, here are the top Eagles' stories for Wednesday:
ECKEL: Like it, or not, Eagles' Chip Kelly isn't going anywhere
- 5 Things to know about newest Eagle Tanner Hawkinson
- NFC Power Poll: Where do Eagles, Giants rank as they prepare to meet?
- Eagles will wear black uniforms vs. Giants Monday night
- Why the Eagles drafted Jordan Hicks in the 3rd round
- Eagles sticking with Caleb Sturgis, have no plans to work out kickers according to Chip Kelly
THE NO-HUDDLE SHOW, Ep. 11: Finally, a glimpse of what Eagles fans expected
There were plenty of encouraging signs in the Eagles' blowout win over the Saints. From Fletcher Cox's dominance to Josh Huff's emergence, the Eagles showed what they're capable of doing. Now the question is: Can they do it again vs. the Giants? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook