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Eagles CEO says Chip Kelly didn’t push to keep coaching job

In this Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 photo, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly listens to a question during a news conference at the NFL football team's practice facility in Philadelphia. The Eagles fired Kelly with one game left in his third season, dumping the coach after missing the playoffs in consecutive years. Kelly was released Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 just before the end of a disappointing season that began with Super Bowl expectations. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) In this Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 photo, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly listens to a question during a news conference at the NFL football team's practice facility in Philadelphia. The Eagles fired Kelly with one game left in his third season, dumping the coach after missing the playoffs in consecutive years. Kelly was released Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 just before the end of a disappointing season that began with Super Bowl expectations. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

By Associated Press December 30, 2015 1 min read

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie says Chip Kelly didn’t push to keep his coaching job in their final meeting where Kelly was fired.

Lurie told reporters Wednesday it was clear during the Tuesday meeting that his mind was made up and Kelly knew he was being let go.

Lurie says he decided to fire Kelly before the end of the season to get a jump start on a coaching search and meet with players to talk to them about the decision.

Lurie says the extra six days is important given the chaos of hiring football coaches.

Kelly was fired after missing the playoffs for the second straight season and failing in his first year in charge of personnel. The Eagles entered the season with Super Bowl expectations, but are 6-9.

Lurie says he fired Kelly based on a lack of progress in three years and his assessment of the team’s trajectory.

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