With Philadelphia’s announcement that they’ve signed Tim Tebow—who hasn’t played in the league since 2012—to a one-year deal, Eagles coach Chip Kelly has opened himself up for criticism, yet again.
But is it justified?
Kelly, the mad scientist offensive coordinator turned head coach who has a history of quickly converting average to below-average quarterbacks into serviceable starters, has continued to turn the roster over this offseason, despite back-to-back 10–6 seasons in his only two years in the league.
He rid himself of two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy in a blockbuster deal (while gaining linebacker Kiko Alonso) with Buffalo and then turned around and signed Dallas All-Pro running back DeMarco Murray. Meanwhile, leading wide receiver Jeremy Maclin left for Kansas City last month—a year after Kelly released three-time Pro Bowl wideout DeSean Jackson.
Oh, and he just finished dealing away Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles, plus a couple draft picks, to St. Louis for oft-injured quarterback Sam Bradford—and some lesser picks, in a deal that caused collective head-scratching around the league.
But he usually gets results. Especially at the quarterback position.
He signed the talented enigma that is Mark Sanchez and turned around his once-woeful career last year. Sanchez had never completed more than 57 percent of his passes in a season or accumulated a QBR higher than 50. Under Kelly’s tutelage the former fifth overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft completed 64.8 percent of his passes, while putting up a 58.24 QBR.
But taking on Tebow would be his biggest challenge yet—at least in the eyes of most every team in the league who has passed on signing him.
