Report: Chip Kelly could replace Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta

Chip Kelly, the former head coach in Philadelphia and San Francisco, reportedly could be in line to replace Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who is expected to become the next coach of the 49ers.

Shanahan is the favorite to fill the 49ers' head-coaching opening, but his primary focus remains on Sunday's NFC Championship Game as Atlanta hosts the Green Bay Packers.

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Sunday that the Falcons have lined up three candidates to take the job, including the man THAT Shanahan would replace with the 49ers. Glazer reported that Kelly is one of the potential additions to Falcons head coach Dan Quinn's staff.

NFL rules give Shanahan the opportunity to have a second interview with the 49ers next week should the Falcons advance to the Super Bowl. If Atlanta loses, the 49ers can officially hire Shanahan and introduce him as coach.

Kelly was fired by the Eagles less than three seasons into his tenure as head coach in December 2015 but remained out of work only one month before the 49ers hired him last January.

Kelly was fired at the end of the 2016 season after the 49ers finished 2-14 in his lone year in San Francisco.

Kelly, 53, owns a 28-35 record in four seasons as an NFL coach.