Kelly says thanks, but no thanks to Bucs

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Oregon football Coach Chip Kelly said Monday he has decided not to pursue the head coaching job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kelly confirmed he had met with the NFL club's management but decided to stay in the college coaching ranks.

"I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' organization. I enjoyed meeting with the [owner Malcolm] 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 release posted on the school's Web site.

Kelly has produced a 34-6 record with the Ducks, including a win in this year's Rose Bowl.

Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens said the success of the Ducks' football program makes it "no surprise the NFL is interested in our personnel."

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

Tampa Bay has been in need of a coach since Raheem Morris was fired after the Bucs went 4-12.

NFL.com reported Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former NFL coaches Mike Sherman, Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer have been interviewed for the job.