Former Oregon, Now 49ers DE: 'Definitely See Changes In Chip Kelly'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chip Kelly did some great things during his first three years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.
His offense finished second, fifth, and 12th in total yards per game in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively. And despite a carousel of average-to-below average quarterback play, Kelly went 10-6 in his first two years before a 6-9 year three (Kelly was fired before the Eagles' final game of 2015-16).
However, he also did some not-so-great things. Kelly was often criticized for a lack of adaptability, sociability, and relatability.
Now, the former Oregon head coach is with the San Francisco 49ers, and former Oregon Duck turned Niners defensive end Arik Armstead says Kelly has changed.
"Everyone in life goes through things, goes through circumstances, goes through events and have to grown and learn," Armstead said of Kelly on John Canzano's podcast via Oregonlive.com. "And I see some growth in Chip and also in coach Azz (Jerry Azzinaro). College was one thing and he [Chip] is three years removed. If you're not growing and learning as a human being, what are you really doing? If you're just staying stagnant and staying in the same place, than I don't think that's how it should work. I think people should grow and learn as they go through life. So I definitely see some changes in him.
"Practice in college was definitely harder," Armstead continued. "I mean, in college I feel like they have a little more control over you. And they used to work us pretty hard in college. Not saying that practices now are easy, just they're for sure harder in college I feel like. Just his growth as a human, really. Like I said, if you go through experiences and events you learn -- I'm sure he learned a lot in Philly being in the NFL -- and you have to continue to learn here. And you have to be adaptable and keep on moving on."
During a radio interview last week, Kelly said the number one thing he looked for when joining the 49ers was "stability at the top," lauding Niners CEO Jed York and general manager Trent Balke.
Kelly's relationship with Eagles executive Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie was in question ever since Kelly received personnel power prior to his third and final season in Philadelphia.