UCLA hires Chip Kelly as head coach

UCLA announced Saturday the hiring of Chip Kelly as its head coach on a five-year deal worth $23.3 million with a $9-million reciprocal buyout.

"I am thrilled to welcome Chip Kelly to Westwood," said athletic director Dan Guerrero in a statement. "His success speaks for itself, but more than that, I firmly believe that his passion for the game and his innovative approach to coaching student-athletes make him the perfect fit for our program. 'Champions Made Here' is more than just a mantra at UCLA, and I'm confident that Chip will lead UCLA Football back to competing for championships."

Kelly was expected to choose between vacancies at UCLA and Florida after meeting with officials from both programs, though the Gators reportedly dropped out of considering the former Oregon coach.

"It is an absolute honor to join the Bruin Family, and I am grateful to Chancellor Block and to Dan Guerrero for this incredible opportunity," said Kelly, who will be formally introduced on campus Monday. "UCLA is a world-class institution with a distinguished history in athletics, and we will do our part to uphold its tradition of excellence."

The hiring of Kelly on Saturday, his birthday, comes after former UCLA head coach Jim Mora Jr. was fired on his own birthday, Nov. 19, following the team's third straight loss. Jedd Fisch, the former offensive coordinator, has been acting as interim coach, helping the Bruins became bowl-eligible with a win over Cal on Friday night.

Kelly has been working as a college football analyst after being fired from his position as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers following the 2016 season. He hasn't coached at the college level since 2012.

He compiled a record of 46-7 at Oregon from 2009-12, leading the team to the Rose Bowl in his first season, and guiding the school to three consecutive conference championships and the 2010 national championship game.