Oregon AD Rob Mullens explains the situation in Eugene

Shortly after interviewing with NFL teams after their Fiesta Bowl win, Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens was sure that Chip Kelly was in Oregon to stay...at least for another season.

But during his presser moments ago, Mullens explained that he got a phone call at 7am PST this morning from Kelly notifying him that he was taking Eagles head coaching job.

Kelly had his mind made up, Mullens said, and was sure that it was the best decision for him moving forward, and added that it was the "right opportunity at the right time".

At 8am PST Kelly met with players during a workout to personally deliver the news.

Moving forward, Mullens said that he understands the importance of naming a new head coach with signing day only  three weeks away, but also noted that he has no specific timeline for the process and that he will be in no particular rush because of the many "twists and turns" that often come up during the process.

The Oregon AD also noted that a handful of current assistants expressed their interest in the position, and that they would be considered along with a few outside candidates that he has already begun to reach out to. He also noted that because of the structure and continuity already in place within the program among the assistants, that he does not plan to name an interim head coach at this point.

When talking about what he was looking for their next head coach, Mullens explained that they'll be looking for someone who understands the culture, and has a proven track record of excellence in running a program from A to Z. 

Towards the end of the presser, Mullens reminded reporters that "everyone focuses on one person, but this is about so much more". 

Stay tuned to The Scoop for up to date information as this one plays out.