Chip Kelly: LeSean McCoy is wrong about race being a factor for him

Chip Kelly made a lot of unexpected personnel moves this off-season, causing a lot of people to wonder exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles coach was thinking.

One theory was offered earlier this month by former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, who suggested race may have factored into Kelly’s thinking.

Kelly shot down that notion Wednesday while speaking with reporters before the Eagles’ third day of off-season activities.

“I’ve got great respect for LeSean, however in that situation I think he’s wrong,” Kelly said. “We put a lot of time in looking at the characters and factors that go into the selection and retention of players, and color has never been one of them.”

McCoy had spent all six years of his NFL career with the Eagles, making the Pro Bowl three of the last four seasons and winning the league rushing crown in 2013. But in March, McCoy was traded to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso.

In April, McCoy told the Philadelphia Inquirer he thought Kelly didn’t want to be overshadowed by star players.

Weeks later, he told ESPN the Magazine: “You see how fast he got rid of all the good players. Especially all the good black players. He got rid of them the fastest. That’s the truth. There’s a reason. ... It’s hard to explain with him. But there’s a reason he got rid of all the black players -- the good ones -- like that.”

Kelly was asked Wednesday if he was hurt by McCoy’s comments.

“It doesn’t hurt me,” Kelly said. “I’m not governed by the fear of what other people say. Events don’t elicit feelings, I think beliefs elicit feelings. And I understand what my beliefs are and I know who I am.

“You start chasing perception and you got a long life ahead of you, son. That’s what it’s all about. You can control one thing and you can control yourself and I know how we run this organization and it’s not run that way.”