Eagles Notebook: Chip Kelly new head coach

The long, exhaustive search is over.

The Eagles announced Wednesday that Chip Kelly is the 21st head coach in franchise history. Owner Jeffrey Lurie said he would leave no stone unturned in the search and he stayed true to his word. The process played out over a two-and-a-half span, with 11 different candidates hitting the rumor mill — including an initial rejection by Kelly — before a decision was rendered.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen first broke the news. The Eagles confirmed it a few minutes later. This will be Kelly’s first job at any level in the NFL.

“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles,” said Lurie. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team.”

More details to come on this breaking story. A press conference is expected later this week.