Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Former University of New Hampshire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be named the University of Oregon's head coach when current head coach Mike Bellotti takes over as Oregon's athletic director, the school announced Tuesday.

Kelly, who was born in Dover and played football at Manchester Central High School, is currently an assistant coach on Bellotti's staff.

"I am grateful Mike and Chip will continue to serve the university, the athletics department and the football program," University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer said in a release. "While the exact timing of the changes is yet to be determined, I wanted to announce the intended changes to establish the future direction of the department."

Kelly (pictured) is in his second season as Oregon's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He spent eight seasons in the same role at UNH.

"This is an incredible opportunity for me and I am honored to be named the head coach designate for one of the elite programs in the nation," Kelly said. "I appreciate the confidence that president Frohnmayer, (athletic director) Pat Kilkenny and Mike Bellotti has bestowed in me.

"It means so much to me to be entrusted with carrying on the great tradition of Oregon football. To succeed someone as successful and accomplished as Mike Bellotti when he retires from coaching at Oregon is not only a great honor, but a tremendous challenge. It is a win-win situation. Until he retires and when I am the head coach, we will continue our pursuit of a Pac-10 and national championship, and continue to provide a student-athlete experience that is second to none. I am thrilled to be staying at Oregon and in a special place with special people."

Kelly also spent two seasons as UNH's offensive line coach (1997-98) and three seasons as the program's running backs coach (1994-96).

Bellotti, who was named Oregon's head coach following the program's 1995 Rose Bowl appearance, had guided the Ducks to seven seasons of nine-or-more victories.

"Chip Kelly has proven that he possesses all the qualities needed to be an outstanding head coach," Bellotti said. "He is a tremendous teacher of the game and of our student-athletes, and has brought incredible innovation to our offense and enhanced the excitement for our entire program. It is important to me when I decide to leave this program to leave it in the best hands possible, and that is what we've done."