As it turns out, the "something big" news pertaining to the Eagles' front office, of which ProFootballTalk hinted at this afternoon, does not involve the departure of head coach Chip Kelly. Instead, Kelly and once general manager Howie Roseman have received promotions amongst what is called "structural change", as announced by chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie.
"Howie Roseman will be elevated to the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations and will continue directing contract negotiations, salary cap management and NFL strategic matters, while overseeing the team’s medical staff, equipment staff and more.
Head coach Chip Kelly will now oversee the player personnel department. He will also lead efforts to hire a new personnel executive – a process that will begin immediately."
In a lengthy statement released by Lurie, he believes the organization has arrived at a more "thorough and thoughtful model that would best be overseen by Chip."
Lurie then denied any strife within the front office, stating the following:
"Howie, Chip and Don are all united in their desire to win. Together, we decided this approach was the best course of action for the Philadelphia Eagles."
Some speculated that once VP of Player Personnel, Tom Gamble was let go, Kelly began to implement demands. Lurie addresses the issue within his statement with the following:
"I have a very good relationship with Chip that continues to grow stronger and stronger. When we spoke, he was thoughtful, thorough and professional. There were no demands, no threats – quite the contrary – he was passionate, engaged and articulated a dynamic and clear vision on how this fully integrated approach will work. We look forward to seeing it come to life over time."
Howie Roseman, general manager of the Eagles since 2010, and member of the front office for a total of 16 years, is excited with these structural changes.
“Philadelphia is my home and the Eagles are my family. My number one goal is to help bring a championship to this city and that will never change," said Roseman. "I believe this will solidify the trust we have all placed in Coach Kelly."
Chip Kelly, too was supportive of the changes:
“I am very confident about where we are headed as a team and as an organization. I look forward to continue working with Jeffrey and Howie as well as the personnel department.
This is not a one-man operation. It will truly take a team effort to acquire and develop the best football players and then put the best team on the field each week. It will take all of us working together."
Kelly's first task, being in charge of the player personnel department, will be to find a replacement to Gamble. This process has already begun, according to reports.
PhiladephiaEagles.com has the full annoucement of the structural change and further statement by Jeffrey Lurie.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Eagledelphia.com.
