La Canfora: NFL execs believe Polian will land in KC/Eagles eyeing Chip Kelly

[Quesadilla Joe]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/ja...nfora/21445566

Bill Polian expected to get consideration to run Chiefs

Longtime NFL executive Bill Polian will be exploring NFL options in 2013, sources said, and numerous NFL execs believe he could be with the Chiefs next month.

As previously reported, sources said Kansas City's embattled general manager Scott Pioli was offered a contract extension prior to the season but did not sign it, and Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is under intense pressure to retool the coaching staff and front office in 2013. Hunt is a private man and sensitive to criticism, according to many who have worked for him.

The 69-year-old Polian is vastly experienced and very hands on, brings immediate credibility and has a high profile that could provide a buffer for Hunt, who does not oversee the day-to-day operations. Polian has succeeded with numerous franchises and with perhaps six GM jobs opening up, this could be a year where several former executives get back in the game.

The Polians and Hunt could be a logical fit, with Polian filling a role similar to the one played by Carl Peterson in Kansas City from 1989-2008. Polian's son Chris, also a former Colts GM, could become involved in personnel with the Chiefs as well.

The Philadelphia Eagles will consider Chip Kelly to replace Andy Reid, according to league sources, and multiple executives with rival teams anticipate Philadelphia making a heavy push to land the Oregon head coach.

As previously reported in the space, Kelly will be a hot NFL commodity, and with possible NCAA sanctions looming over Oregon, the noted offensive mind is expected to make the jump to the NFL. The Ducks finish out their season in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State on Jan. 3. The Eagles won't be the only team to contact Kelly, but league sources expect them to be among the first to try to interview him, and believe he could emerge as a quick favorite for the position. The attractiveness of the Eagles job, versus other potential opportunities on Kelly's plate, remains to be seen. Kelly turned down Tampa Bay last offseason after effectively agreeing to take the job, and it's not known how Philly's fluid quarterback situation and organizational structure might factor into his interest there.

Kelly is 45-7 in four years as head coach at Oregon, but has no NFL experience.

The Eagles have not looked to the college ranks for a head coach since hiring Dick Vermeil away from UCLA in 1976. Vermeil led the team to won one of its two Super Bowl appearances to date in his seven seasons with the team (1976-82).

Reid, whose 14-year tenure with the Eagles is believed to be coming to an end, is seeking to coach elsewhere in 2013, and is expected by those close to him to move on regardless of whether Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wanted him to return.