There is a “real chance” Chip Kelly replaces Kyle Shanahan

The world’s worst kept secret is Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator is leaving the team to take the San Francisco 49ers head coach job. The only thing we don’t know is who will replace him as the offensive mastermind in Atlanta.

We assumed the Falcons would try keeping and promoting either quarterback coach Matt LaFleur or offensive assistant Mike McDaniel, both of which have years of experience running Shanahan’s scheme.

Apparently, that may not happen.

That may be a pretty big “if” but I can understand why Dan Quinn wouldn’t want to scrap the scheme that broke records all year long. We’ve also seen that Kelly’s scheme has some positives, but it only briefly flashed greatness. I think a lot of the concepts will translate, and realistically, the Falcons have few proven options to replace Shanahan.

If LaFleur wants to coach elsewhere, you don’t want to force him to stick around. As far as outside options go, I’m not sure who you would pick up other than Kelly. Obviously you need to keep him away from the head coach position, and far, far away from personnel. Otherwise, he has years of offensive experience in college and the pros, and may add a new wrinkle (and more no-huddle) to Atlanta’s offensive powerhouse.