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Chip Kelly agrees to 4-year deal with UCLA

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UCLA head coach Chip Kelly agreed to a new four-year contract on Friday, the school announced.

Kelly had one season left on his contract. His buyout was set to drop from $9 million to nothing on Sunday morning, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.

Kelly led the Bruins to an 8-4 record in 2021, marking his best campaign since returning to the college level. He went 10-21 over his first three seasons at UCLA, falling short of the lofty expectations that accompanied him to Westwood when he took the job in November 2017.

"This new contract represents the commitment, stability and investment needed to continue the upward trajectory of our football program," athletic director Martin Jarmon said in a statement. "Since joining UCLA, our football team's winning percentage has increased every year, including increased momentum in recruiting and strategic use of the transfer portal."

UCLA led the Pac-12 in scoring in 2021 under Kelly, who was hailed as an offensive genius while at Oregon between 2009 and 2012. Kelly took the Ducks to a national championship game and posted a 46-7 record before jumping to the NFL to coach the Philadelphia Eagles.

Oregon reportedly considered a Kelly reunion while looking to replace Mario Cristobal at the end of the regular season. The Ducks wound up hiring Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning.

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