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Head Coach Brian Kelly Says No To The Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have struck out with their third college head coach, leaving the team unsure as a variety of NFL assistants are waiting for their opportunity.

Joe Robbins

According to Pete Thamel with Sports Illustrated, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly will remain the head coach for the Fighting Irish. On Tuesday the former University of Cincinnati head coach had spoken with the Philadelphia Eagles, returning with second meet-and-greet on Saturday before it was revealed that he was staying at Notre Dame. Many people question the genuine interest, hinting that Kelly was working an angle for an extension at Notre Dame (which we're sure will be revealed sooner rather than later).

Courting Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, Oregon coach Chip Kelly and Brian Kelly after firing Andy Reid, leaves the Eagles with a variety of assistant NFL coaches to choose from at this point. They're just not sure who. According to a source at Pro Football Talk, "if the Eagles don't get Brian Kelly, it's unclear what they'll do." The Eagles released a statement.

"There is no question we spent a considerable amount of time and effort looking at who we thought were the best collegiate candidates for our head coaching job. We did so knowing that there was a remote chance that these coaches would leave their current posts," the team said.

"We understood that going into the process, but we wanted to leave no stone unturned while trying to find the best head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. We have no regrets about the effort we made in that direction and we will continue to proceed as planned in our search."

Next up is Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, who will interview with the team on Monday. During CBS' half time show between the Ravens and Broncos, Jason La Canfora mentions interest or interviews already conducted with Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Atlanta Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong and former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith.