Jan 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly at press conference after the 2013 Fiesta Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com is reporting that it looks like Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly will be the Browns new head coach:

I think it’s all over. Barring a setback to the Browns, Chip Kelly is the next coach. I think it’s going to be a Chip Kelly, Joe Banner, Michael Lombardi front office. If something would collapse, it would be a surprise. This thing may have been locked up earlier than today.

If Kelly does come to NFL, he’ll undoubtedly look to incorporate his high-tempo spread offense that has made the Ducks one of the top rushing offenses in college football, as well as one of highest-scoring offenses. I for one am very excited to watch Kelly’s dynamic offense go up against a Mike Zimmer-coached defense. That is if Zim doesn’t take a head coach elsewhere.

The Browns and at least two other NFL teams were expected to interview Kelly following Thursday night’s Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State.

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December 2, 2011; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly following the game against the UCLA Bruins during the Pac-12 Championship game at Autzen Stadium. Oregon defeated UCLA 49-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer is reporting that the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to interview Oregon head coach Chip Kelly sometime this weekend once tonight’s Fiesta Bowl game concludes and his season is over. If the interview goes well, they plan on making him an offer he can’t refuse. If Kelly does come to NFL, he’ll undoubtedly look to incorporate his high-tempo spread offense that has made the Ducks one of the top rushing offenses in college football, as well as one of highest-scoring offenses.

The Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to speak to Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley about their head-coaching vacancy, and the Steelers have given the permission to do such. If Haley ends up receiving an offer and accepting it, the Steelers will have to find their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons after the team let colts Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians go last offseason. Haley was originally Arizona’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 before he became head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009

Baltimore Ravens MLB Ray Lewis announced yesterday that the 17-year pro will retire this offseason, and even though he has yet to play since October 14 against the Dallas Cowboys when he tore his biceps, he was a full participant in practice Wednesday, and it is looking more likely that Lewis have the opportunity to walk off the field the final time in football pads and not in street clothes.

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There are now reports that the Cleveland Browns had an interview earlier this week with Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien. Jason LaCanfora reported last night that he believes the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator will leave Penn State for an NFL job and that it will likely be with the Browns or Philadelphia Eagles.

UPDATE: 10:36 AM

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of hiring former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid as the franchise’s next head coach. They have the #1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and Reid is expected to take over complete control of football operations.

Reid skipped his trip to visit the Arizona Cardinals last night, so it would appear a deal is close, and could be announced as early as today. Jason LaCanfora reports if  Reid does end up taking that job, current Chiefs GM Scott Pioli will be fired.

Oct. 18, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly in the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Oregon defeated Arizona State 43-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly is as hot as any NFL head-coaching candidate there is right now, and despite not having an ounce of prior coaching experience in the NFL, Kelly has at least three interviews lined up. He will reportedly interview with the Cleveland Browns following the teams’ Fiesta Bowl game vs. the Kansas State Wildcats. OTher reports have him scheduled to interview with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills over the weekend. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is reporting Kelly will not insist on total control of football operations in interviews with NFL teams.

He won’t be the only college coach named Kelly to draw interest from NFL teams, as Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly is beginning to draw interest though it’s unclear as to how much and even if he’s willing to leave the Irish.

The Chicago Bears interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. for the team’s head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday night.

There are reports of at least two NFL teams having interest in hiring Washington Redskins Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett.

Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew hopes to renegotiate or extend QB Matthew Stafford’s contract this offseason.

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