Chip Kelly addresses if disappointing finish to regular season could impact future

Ahead of the rivalry game with USC, it was reported that UCLA was likely to fire head coach Chip Kelly. Then, the Bruins beat the Trojans and it seemed as though Kelly was safe, though on a warm seat.

Even with the USC win, it was a disappointing finish to the regular season for UCLA. With that, Kelly addressed if that could potentially impact his future.

“I don’t worry about that,” Chip Kelly said. “I don’t worry about the dynamic. I know this team is 24-13 in the last three years and they compete every single day and I’m proud of every single kid in that locker room and I think they represent this school the right way.”

Despite that success during his time at UCLA, it’s hard to ignore the rumors about Chip Kelly’s job security. That’s especially true given that the Bruins lost three of their last four, including a pair of very winnable games against Arizona State and Cal. Meanwhile, last year’s top recruit Dante Moore has hit the transfer portal.

Still, Kelly insisted he doesn’t worry about job security.

“So, we understand where we are and we understand that we have to win games. I get that. That’s part of the deal, but I don’t think about those things. I don’t worry about those things. That’s never been my MO.”

Halfway through December, UCLA is unlikely to make a coaching change. After all, it would likely take too long to hire a new staff and then retain the current recruiting class before signing day, all while the transfer portal is in effect. Still, there are questions about if the Bruins are going to want to move on from Chip Kelly in the Big Ten.

Chip Kelly on his job status

Chip Kelly has heard about the rumors that his job may be in jeopardy. However, he doesn’t understand that noise.

“I don’t understand the noise, to be honest with you. If we win on Saturday, it will be the second time in 35 years that they’ve won eight or more games [three years in a row]. I think that’s what these players a trying to get accomplished, something that’s only been accomplished once since 1988,” Kelly said.

“Not an issue for me. I’ve never been governed by the fear of what other people say, and the lessons that this game has taught me is that there’s gonna be highs and there’s gonna be lows. And you gotta lean into the lows, embrace them, and then you just gotta go to work.”