Two major college football programs are in sudden need of a permanent head coach and Chip Kelly acknowledged he understands why people want to connect him to the vacancies.

"We're not successful. We're not winning. I came from college. I'm going to go back to college," Kelly told reporters, summarizing the line of thought for speculation he might be considering leaving the Philadelphia Eagles for a coaching job in the college game.

According to ESPN, he flatly denied having any contact with college football programs seeking a new coach, such as USC. Kelly said he is invested long-term with the Eagles and wants to get to a place where there is no more speculation surrounding him.

"I hope someday to be like Coach [Tom] Coughlin and win enough games where I stay around long enough where that speculation ends," he told reporters. "But I understand you have to ask the question. I answered it the same way a year ago. I answered it the same way my first year here."

Kelly would seem to be a natural fit for USC, as he has experience in the Pac-12, running a highly effective spread offense at Oregon. With a relatively clean reputation, Kelly also represents stability, which USC might need as much from its next coach as it does wins.

Kelly has also been linked to Texas, though boosters and supporters are reportedly still behind Charlie Strong amidst a 2-4 season. And with Steve Spurrier's sudden resignation, South Carolina is looking for a new head coach, though it is not clear if Kelly would coach in the SEC.

"It's an unfortunate part of the game," Kelly told reporters during his press conference. "The other part of it is there are people who have lost their jobs. A friend of mine is Steve Sarkisian, who is dealing with a big issue right now. I wish him the best. That's how I look at that situation."

(Quotes courtesy of ESPN)