clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

LeSean McCoy wasn't Chip Kelly's type of running back, says Jeffrey Lurie

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

During his Tuesday press conference, Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie explained why he gave full control over player personnel to Chip Kelly. Lurie indicated that Kelly "adapted to what he had" on the roster in the first two years on the job, but now it's about the coach picking his players that fit his scheme. One of the specific examples mentioned by Lurie involved former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

"LeSean McCoy is a great running back - all time franchise leader," Lurie said, via NJ.com."Great guy in every way. (But to) maximize his power spread offense, (Kelly has) always admired the one-cut runners."

Earlier this month, Kelly seemed to deny McCoy was a bad fit. The Eagles coach cited financial reasons when it came to explaining the McCoy trade. But the signings of physical runners such as DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews clearly indicated a shift in personnel type.

It's also clear that Kelly has no problem with getting rid of players who don't fit his scheme, regardless of production. He released DeSean Jackson last year despite the wide receiver coming off of a career season. McCoy led the league in rushing in 2013 and was third in 2014 but now he's gone as well.

Kelly is going to live and die by the players he chooses. It remains to be seen if his decisions will ultimately work out.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Bleeding Green Nation Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of all your Philadelphia Eagles news from Bleeding Green Nation