Reid rebounds fast with five-year deal in K.C.

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John Sleezer / Kansas City Star/ MCT Former Eagles head coach Andy Reid arrives in Kansas City on Friday. (TRIBUNE MEDIA MCT)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Andy Reid pulled up to Arrowhead Stadium in a black SUV on Friday, stepped out of it wearing a dark suit and red tie, and walked briskly toward the doors of the Kansas City Chiefs' home.

All that was left was to make his hiring official.

The longtime Eagles coach has agreed to a five-year deal to become coach of the Chiefs, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the terms of the contract.

The people also said that Reid has already begun assembling a staff.

Reid's agreement was finalized shortly after the Chiefs announced they had parted ways with general manager Scott Pioli after four tumultuous seasons in Kansas City.

It's expected that Reid will pursue longtime Packers personnel man John Dorsey or former Browns GM Tom Heckert -- or perhaps both of them -- to work with him in the front office.

Reid inherits a team that went 2-14, matching the worst record in franchise history. But he'll also have the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, and with five players voted to the Pro Bowl this season, Kansas City has building blocks in place to make a quick turnaround.

Nine hours of negotiations on Wednesday went well enough that Reid called off interviews in Arizona and San Diego, and the two sides continued working out details on Thursday.

Eagles interviewing

PHILADELPHIA -- While Andy Reid has found a new home, the Philadelphia Eagles' search to replace him could take some time.

The Eagles were granted permission Friday to interview Colts offensive co-ordinator Bruce Arians and Seahawks defensive co-ordinator Gus Bradley for their coaching vacancy.

Team officials already met with three candidates and plan to interview Broncos offensive co-ordinator Mike McCoy in Denver on Sunday. Oregon coach Chip Kelly was on Philadelphia's list, but a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press he's nearing a deal with Cleveland and the Eagles are "heading in another direction."

That person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team isn't discussing its negotiations publicly, said the Eagles planned to interview several other candidates.

Kelly, Browns closing in

CLEVELAND -- A person familiar with the negotiations says the Cleveland Browns are close to a deal with Oregon's Chip Kelly to become their next coach.

The Browns interviewed Kelly on Friday and the Ducks coach was supposed to meet with Philadelphia. However, a person familiar with the interviews says the Eagles are "heading in another direction" because Kelly is nearing a deal with Cleveland.

The Eagles were granted permission Friday to interview Colts offensive co-ordinator Bruce Arians and Seahawks defensive co-ordinator Gus Bradley and are scheduled to meet with Broncos offensive co-ordinator Mike McCoy on Sunday.

Following Oregon's win over Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night, the 49-year-old Kelly said he wanted to get the interview process over "quickly."

He turned down an offer from Tampa Bay last year to return for his fourth season at Oregon, where he is 46-7.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 5, 2013 C4