Former Chip Kelly Assistant: I Think He's 'Still Trying' For Mariota
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Chip Kelly's old defensive coordinator, Nick Aliotti, thinks Kelly is going to go after Marcus Mariota in Thursday night's NFL Draft.
"If there's a way that he can get Marcus Mariota without selling the farm, I think he's still trying to do that," Aliotti told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
Aliotti was the defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks from 1999-2013. Aliotti, 60, retired after his Ducks, led by Kelly and Mariota on offense, won the 2013 Alamo Bowl.
Aliotti hasn't talked to Kelly directly, but sure seems to have a good idea of what Kelly wants to do in his first NFL Draft with personnel control.
"I know Chip and I have a lot of respect for Chip," Aliotti said. "He has a plan. I've had no conversations with Chip so I'm not putting words in his mouth, but I really think that if he can get Marcus Mariota he's able to do exactly what he wants to do with his offense there in Philly."