Kelly Surprised About Speculation He Might Return to College

SANTA CLARA – Coach Chip Kelly on Monday reiterated his commitment to remain with the 49ers.

The 49ers fell to 1-7 on the season and could be headed into the record books as one of the worst teams in franchise history. The 49ers are on a seven-game losing streak. The 49ers’ longest skid in club history is nine games. The 49ers’ next two games are at Arizona and against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

"I haven't talked to a college since I've been in the NFL and that's not my goal,” Kelly said. “My goal is to be the head coach of the 49ers.

“It surprises me that that continues to be a new story. It's been the same story since I left (Oregon) four years ago. I'm not looking to go back and that's what I've always said. So I don't know how it's stayed a story."

Kelly was fired near the end of his third season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Just two weeks later, the 49ers hired Kelly to replace Jim Tomsula, who was fired after just one season. Tomsula replaced Jim Harbaugh as 49ers coach. Kelly has three years remaining on a contract that pays him a reported $6 million annually. He could break the contract to return to college.

Kelly’s teams at Oregon went 46-7 with a loss in the BCS championship game and two appearances in the Rose Bowl. Recently, Nike co-founder Phil Knight was a guest of Kelly’s at Levi’s Stadium, fueling speculation Kelly might consider a move back to Oregon.

"Phil's come to my games in Philly and it wasn't an issue,” Kelly said. “Phil's a great friend of mine. I mean, the fact that a friend of mine came to watch one of my games, I've got a lot of friends who come to games."

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