Sport

Philadelphia Eagles fire head coach Chip Kelly

Kelly’s tactics, trade moves and ability to relate to players have been criticised by fans

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly (left), fired three days after Eagles’ loss to NFC East rivals Washington. Photograph: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly (left), fired three days after Eagles’ loss to NFC East rivals Washington. Photograph: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Thu Dec 31 2015 - 01:00

The Philadelphia Eagles have fired head coach Chip Kelly less than one week before the end of the regular season.

Amid fan discontent over Kelly’s tactics, trade moves and player management, he was ditched three days after the 6-9 Eagles fell out of playoff contention with a loss to NFC East rivals Washington.

Pat Shurmur will be interim head coach for Sunday’s season finale against the Giants in New York where the Eagles will bid to snap a two-game losing streak.

Kelly, 52, had a 26-21 record in three seasons in Philadelphia. This season the Eagles rank last in the league in time of possession, while Kelly’s tactics have been criticised by fans. There have also been grumblings about his interpersonal skills in relating to some of his players. His move to the Eagles was his first NFL job after he had spent more than two decades coaching in college ranks.