National Football League

Kelly staying at Oregon as coach

Published Jan. 23, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly said Monday he has "unfinished business" at the school after turning down an offer to become coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kelly had a last-minute change of heart after reports stated Sunday night that he and the Bucs had begun negotiating a contract.

"I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' organization. I enjoyed meeting with the Glazer family and General Manager Mark Dominik but after numerous discussions, I concluded that I have some unfinished business to complete at the University of Oregon," Kelly said in a statement released by the university.

Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said the school granted the Bucs permission to talk to Kelly about their coaching vacancy.

"We are pleased with Coach Kelly's decision to remain as our head coach. Coach Kelly has provided great leadership and remains committed to building on our position among the elite college football programs in the country."

Kelly's decision comes with national signing day for high school seniors just two weeks away, a crucial recruiting period in college football.

Kelly, 48, has won the Pac-12 title in all three seasons at Oregon, also reaching three straight BCS bowl games, including the national championship in 2011.

Three weeks ago, he guided the Ducks to their first Rose Bowl victory in 95 years, defeating Wisconsin 45-38.

The Bucs are in search of a new coach after firing Raheem Morris following the conclusion of a disastrous 4-12 season.

Former NFL head coaches Mike Sherman, Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress have interviewed for the position, along with current NFL assistants Mike Zimmer, Rob Chudzinski, Jerry Gray and Tom Clements.