By John Sarianides

ESPN announced on Friday that former Oregon, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly would be joining the network as an NFL and college football analyst.

At first, I was a little skeptical when I heard the news but the more I have thought about it the last couple of days (yes, I have thought about it) I think Kelly could actually end up being a pretty good analyst.

Kelly is smart. He knows the game, especially offense. He can bring a fresh presepective to ESPN’s line up of analysts because he has coached the game at a high level both collegiately and professionally. He is one of the Godfather’s of the modern spread offense so he will provide some great insight on the offense and how it works.

Kelly is also personable. He’s witty, funny and he has that rough around the edges New England persona. He is also a guy who likes when the camera is on him so I am sure he’ll say some outlandish things at times. 

ESPN also hired Rex Ryan this off-season. I could see Ryan wearing on me with his over the top commentary and that stupid buck tooth grin. I don’t see that happening with Kelly. I am curious to see what he has to say. The only way he’ll annoying me is if he’s doing that stupid thing where he licks his chops constantly. Then I’ll be annoyed. 

I don’t see Kelly sticking around ESPN too long. I think he is on the Urban Meyer track. I give Kelly one season behind the desk.

Kelly loves coaching football. He’s a gym rat. He will be linked to every opening in college football at the end of the season. When a job opens up that he wants, he’ll take it and bolt. Until then, I am looking forward to his analysis. Especially when it comes to the spread offense.