Chip Kelly ‘is not insane’ for signing Tim Tebow, Oregon coach says

It seems there’s no shortage of opinions regarding whether Coach Chip Kelly has been rebuilding or dismantling the Philadelphia Eagles this off-season.

Fuel was added to the fire of criticism Monday when the Eagles signed perennial NFL straggler Tim Tebow to a one-year deal. The former Heisman Trophy winner gives Philadelphia four quarterbacks under contract, raising questions as to what role Kelly sees for a player whose last NFL game was in 2012.

Still, there’s at least one man who has plenty of confidence in Kelly. Oregon Coach Mark Helfrich, who served as Kelly’s offensive coordinator with the Ducks, told reporters Monday that Kelly knows what he’s doing.

“I think it’s unfortunate that I’ve had to answer this question more than once: Chip Kelly is not insane,” Helfrich said. “No, he’s got a plan. He’s got a method.”

Tebow’s signing was just the latest controversial move by Kelly. In March, Philadelphia traded star running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills. A week later, they acquired quarterback Sam Bradford from the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Nick Foles. They later added Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray to the fold only after Frank Gore, reportedly Kelly’s first choice, signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Bradford’s oft-injured reputation and the unproven NFL resumes of Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and Tebow have left many questioning Kelly’s moves.

It remains to be seen if the new-look Eagles will improve on last season’s 10-6 record.