Football Coach Chip Kelly is leaving the University of Oregon to become head coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, the university's athletic department and the Eagles organization confirmed Wednesday morning.

Kelly, 49, had talked with the Eagles following the Ducks' Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State on Jan. 3, but indicated at the time that he would return to the UO. His decision on Wednesday was met with a variety of reactions.

“Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles,” team owner Jeffrey Lurie said, according to the Eagles website. “He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team.”

Kelly joined the UO football staff in 2007 as offensive coordinator under head coach Mike Bellotti. Kelly became the Ducks' head coach when Bellotti moved into the athletic director's position. Bellotti left the UO in 2010 to pursue opportunities in broadcasting, and Kelly has served the past four years as the Ducks' head coach.

Kelly, whose record as head coach was 46-7, served in a variety of positions with the University of New Hampshire from 1994 to 2006. He has not previously coached at the professional level.

Kelly received a bachelor's degree in physical education from New Hampshire in 1990.