January 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly watches game action against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half during the 2012 Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Tampa, FL - Oregon football coach Chip Kelly looks to be staying in college football after serious talks with the Buccaneers.
The Register-Guard of Eugene, Ore., reported late Sunday night Kelly decided against a move to the NFL after it seemed he was set on leaving.
There were several reports Sunday that Kelly was negotiating a deal with Tampa Bay, citing persons with knowledge of the situation.
The Buccaneers are looking to replace former coach Raheem Morris, who was fired after a 4-12 season on Jan. 2, the same day Kelly's Ducks won the program's first Rose Bowl since 1917.
The Bucs lost their last ten games in 2011 and finished dead last in points allowed (30.9).
Since becoming Oregon's head coach in 2009, Kelly's teams went 34-6, won their conference and reached a BCS game in all three seasons. He was previously an assistant with Columbia, New Hampshire, and Johns Hopkins before becoming Oregon's offensive coordinator in 2007.
Kelly was among the highest-paid college coaches in the country in 2011 with a $2.8 million base salary and the chance to earn up to $1.035 million in bonuses. Morris earned $2 million in salary last season with the Bucs, according to the Times.
USA Today, The Huddle