Jeffrey Lurie: Firing Chip Kelly was ‘a clear and important decision’

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a press conference Wednesday that firing Chip Kelly was “a clear and important decision that had to be made.”

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a press conference Wednesday that firing Chip Kelly was “a clear and important decision that had to be made.”

Kelly was fired Tuesday after two-plus seasons with the team.

“It’s important to be patient, not to react to a series of games,” Lurie added. “This was a three-year evaluation of where we’re heading.”

Lurie said the decision to fire Kelly leading up to Week 17 gave him six extra days for the coaching search, as it will allow him to meet with players in the interim to discover the type of leadership they think the team needs. He also added that it was fair to let Kelly go before the end of the season.

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Lurie will hold a players only meeting with the team on Wednesday, and will continue meeting with them throughout the week.

The Eagles (6–9) close out the 2015 season on Sunday against the New York Giants (6–9) at MetLife Stadium.