This is news.
According to Tim McManus of Birds 24/7, the relationship between Eagles GM Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly, has cooled to the point that it’s become a cause for concern within the organization.
There could be a serious balance of power, or disagreement in structure brewing.
Up until recently, the Eagles’ higher-ups had presented a unified front when it came to the personnel process. But when one of his players came under fire a couple weeks back, Kelly put on the gloves for the first time publicly.
There have been persistent rumblings about shifting dynamics behind the scenes: Namely, that Kelly and Roseman’s relationship has cooled and that the collaborative process between coach and general manager is not where it once was (Kelly and Gamble remain tight, per sources).
Kelly’s clout within the organization is growing as his methods continue to bear fruit. There is a shared optimism internally that this head coach has what it takes to deliver the city its first Lombardi Trophy. From designing schemes to running an efficient, culture-conscious program, Kelly has delivered in a number of areas. When it comes to the draft — an area that Roseman performed well in when he assumed command in 2012 — Kelly’s level of prowess is less defined. The more control he gains, the more he will be held responsible for successes and failures in every facet of the operation.
In all, the organization has flourished so far under Kelly, whose fingerprints are all over this thing, from blueprint to construction to day-to-day operation. While many are contributing to the ongoing building process, there is little doubt where the bulk of the power lies. And that seems like a departure from Lurie’s intended design.
I’ll believe the discourse when I see it–but remember a good coach is harder to find than a competent talented GM. It would be interesting to see who owner Jeff Lurie sided with if Kelly and Roseman truly couldn’t coexist.