The Public Eye has Limited Vision. Chip Kelly

Have you noticed how quick we are to offer our limited vision when something happens in the public forum?

Chip Kelly was in the news the other night and people were going nuts speculating about what he was doing and why.

I had to laugh. When I left KEZI the rumors were flying and people were dying to give their two cents (which was really worth about ½ a cent).

When I ran for office the speculators knew exactly what I was planning, why I was planning it and the reason I was doing it and they were all wrong.

Reporters used to ask me what my plan “B” was if I lost. I’d say I don’t have a plan “B” I’ll figure it out when I get there.

They just wouldn’t or couldn’t believe me. They thought sure I was feeding them a line. How can anyone leave a job, run for office and not have a plan “B”?

My thought was how could I give this my all if in the back of my mind I’m planning to lose?

I’d hear conservative radio hosts bitch and badger me for not being conservative enough and the liberal folks were scared to death I was going to win.

Everyone had a story, everyone had an answer and most of them didn’t know s..t.

My wife, my staff and my advisors and I would sit there scratching our heads. It was a great education for a former reporter. I saw the ugly side of the business, the industry and quite frankly people.

So when someone like Chip Kelly looks at other options I figure that’s life. Only he knows what he’s truly doing. You can speculate if it makes you feel better but chances are you don’t know the whole story and you may end up with egg on your face.

3 Comments

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  Brian Overholt January 23, 2012 at 1:10 pm

  I don’t know who has been speculating about what Chip Kelly “is doing and why.” I’m sure some have made predictions. I think most people are interested just because their worried about losing the best coach we had in years.

  I was biting my fingernails, waiting to find out what the verdict was. Were we really going to lose him? It would have been devastating if he had decided to leave. As long as we have Chip, we can recover from losing a few good players. But if Chip had left, that would put a huge question mark on the whole program.

  So I think the endless questions arise more from nervousness than they do from trying to get inside his head.

  But your story was different. Nobody’s favorite team was on the line… everyone just wanted to know what you were up to. And of course, you’re right, nobody’s happy with a 2-dimensional story… everybody had to have their theories about your backup plans, and why you left TV news, and so on.

  But I will say this about your moderate-conservative political position… I would have liked to see you in office. I didn’t agree with you on everything, but I was rooting for you. But I’m beginning to think that the population has become too polarized for moderates to have a chance anymore. Politicians either need to please one extreme base or the other extreme base… taking the middle ground just makes them both unhappy.

  Of course, for a guy like you that sticks to your principles… you can’t just change your stance to win more votes. That’s what I like about you.
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  rick dancer January 23, 2012 at 6:24 pm

  Brian,

  This is one of the comments I will put in a file so I can come back to it on those days when I feel like I’m falling off the face of the planet. Thank you so much for your kind words. You will never know how much they are appreciated, especially today.

  Rick
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  Anna Marie Bird January 23, 2012 at 7:32 pm

  Hi Rick -
  I too have been a topic of speculation as to why I left a job. It never seemed to occur to anyone that my reasons were just that: My Reasons.

  I would have been extremely bummed if Chip Kelly left the U of O. But, I would never begrudge another person’s dreams. If his dream since he was 8 was to coach in the NFL, then so be it. Go with God and succeed.

  However, my reasons for not wanting him to leave were beyond missing his coaching skills. The boys playing football for the U of O need his guidance as a man, as a leader, and as a role model. Chip gives his players structure and teaches them discipline. He allows them to get away with nothing! And, he never goes over the top with his reprimands. He seems to understand that they are still developing physically as well as mentally and emotionally.

  Like Brian I also rooted for you and was disappointed when you didn’t win. But, God has a plan for you and will use you where He needs you.

  Thank you for a fine example of a man who DOES stick by his principles regardless of who doesn’t like it.

  Respectfully,
  Anna Marie Bird
  Santa Clara