Jim Mora defends Chip Kelly as misunderstood, misinterpreted

Share

Everybody seems to have an opinion on Chip Kelly and how he relates to his players. But not everybody has coached in both the NFL and at the highest levels of the NCAA.

Jim L. Mora spent a few seasons coaching the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks in the 2000s and is currently the head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team. He brought his unique perspective to the Dan Patrick Show on Monday to share his belief that Chip Kelly is simply misunderstood and that he doesn't believe for a second that Kelly is a racist.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The conversation between Patrick and Mora used Brandon Boykin's recent comments as a jumping off point.

"I don't buy that," Mora. "I think he did such a great job at Oregon. He wouldn't have become the recruiter that he was and had the success that he's had if he couldn't relate to all races and age groups, socio-economic backgrounds. He just couldn't do it. I think what it is, he's probably misunderstood. He's not the most outgoing guy. He's a thoughtful introvert, extremely bright, probably doesn't have a lot to say to a lot of guys because his mind is always clicking. Maybe they just misinterpret it. I can't believe that there's even a hint of racism to Chip Kelly. There's just no way I believe that ever."

Boykin later clarified or backed off his comments, "I'm not saying he's a racist at all. That's not what I said."

The clarified comments seem to be inline with how Mora interprets the situation.

"When you're a player you want to be able to relate to your coach," Boykins said. "No matter what, outside of football. When not talking football scheme, I want to be able to sit there and talk to you about whatever. There were times where he just wouldn't talk to people. You would walk down the hallway and he wouldn't say anything to you. I don't know what that is. I'm not saying he's a racist in anyway."

"As a player, I just wanted to be able to relate to my coach a little bit better," Boykin said.

So Chip Kelly, probably not a racist. But definitely maybe socially awkward.

Contact Us