Eagles Name Chip Kelly Head Coach [VIDEO]

The Philadelphia Eagles have named Oregon coach Chip Kelly as their new head coach.

In a statement on the team website, Eagles owner Jeff Lurie says, "“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles,” said Lurie. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team.”

ESPN reports that Kelly, who initially said he was staying at Oregon after his first interview with the Eagles on January 4, changed his mind after the school did not make an announcement about his status with the team after he turned down the Eagles.

Kelly was thought to be Philadelphia's first choice in a long, exhaustive process that took many twists. The enigmatic Kelly reportedly was close to signing with the Browns after a long interview on Jan. 4. He met with the Eagles for nine hours the next day and the roller coaster ended when he decided to remain at Eugene, Ore.

Kelly may also have turned down the Eagles in order to get more control over player personnel reports CBSSports.com.

Kelly went to four straight BCS bowl games — including a bid for the national championship against Auburn two seasons ago — and have won three Pac-12 championships.

Kelly originally went to Oregon in 2007 as offensive coordinator under Mike Bellotti. Before that, he was offensive coordinator at New Hampshire, where he started devising the innovative hurry-up offense the Ducks are known for now.

Oregon finished last season 12-1. The team was ranked No. 1 and appeared headed for another shot at the national championship until a 17-14 overtime loss to Stanford on Nov. 17.

It's unknown whether the possibility of NCAA sanctions based on Oregon's use of recruiting services factored into Kelly's reversal. Kelly indicated in Arizona that he isn't running from anything.

"We've cooperated fully with them," he said. "If they want to talk to us again, we'll continue to cooperate fully. I feel confident in the situation."

The Eagles will hold a press conference on Thursday at 1:30PM.