5:48pm: Roseman’s extension runs through the end of the decade, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link), who says Lurie was adamant about keeping him in Philadelphia.
5:32pm: Amidst whispers that “something big” could happen in Philadelphia, the Eagles have announced changes to the roles of their top two football executives, GM Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly. According to a team release, Roseman has been elevated to the role of executive vice president of football operations, while Kelly will now officially oversee the player personnel department, and will lead efforts to hire a new personnel executive.
After the team parted ways with Tom Gamble earlier this week, there was speculation that there was a power struggle emerging between Kelly and Roseman, with the GM winning the latest round. In a second press release, team owner Jeffrey Lurie dismissed any notion of unrest in the front office, and reiterated his trust in the Eagles’ head coach.
“You have heard me say many times that I want strong leaders who feel free to express their opinions. And that is what happened here,” Lurie said. “Chip will now lead this process going forward with the continued full support of Howie, Don [Smolenski] and myself…. I have a very good relationship with Chip that continues to grow stronger and stronger. When we spoke, he was thoughtful, thorough and professional. There were no demands, no threats – quite the contrary – he was passionate, engaged and articulated a dynamic and clear vision on how this fully integrated approach will work. We look forward to seeing it come to life over time.
“Let me also stress that Howie will continue to play a vital role in our operation,” Lurie added. “He has been elevated to the role of Executive Vice President of Football Operations and received a contract extension.”
The tweaks to Kelly’s and Roseman’s positions should be enough to satisfy both parties, despite the fact that Roseman’s role in personnel decisions has been reduced. Kelly now has a position similar to the one Andy Reid held in Philadelphia before he left the team, with control over draft and roster decisions, and the opportunity to lead the search for Gamble’s replacement. As for Roseman, along with his extension, he’ll continue to direct “contract negotiations, salary cap management and NFL strategic matters,” according to the team’s statement.
It remains to be seen whether the Kelly/Roseman marriage will be a long-term one for the Eagles, or if this latest move will just serve as a band-aid solution. For now though, it appears Kelly, Roseman, and Lurie are happy with the team’s arrangement, and neither the head coach nor the new VP of football operations is going anywhere.
So, does Chip Kelly just turn around and re-hire Tom Gamble? That would be pretty awesome.