January 10, 2016
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney doesn't think former Eagles head coach is a "f****** d*******," words he once used to describe his predecessor in office while still serving on City Council.
But he does think he's just a plain "d***," according to a Sunday story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Writer Clark DeLeon recounted a recent interaction he had with Kenney at a Center City bar in which the city's chief executive described why he was never fond of Kelly.
While at Bliss on South Broad Street during the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day, Kenney told DeLeon about an encounter the then-Councilman had with Kelly following the Eagles win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Chip's first year at the helm:
"When Kelly first arrived in Philadelphia, he took an apartment in Old City not far from where I lived. We were neighbors.
"It was during his first season. The Eagles were losing a home game to Tampa Bay, but late in the fourth quarter they came from behind to win. Later that evening I'm in the local grocery store and in walks Kelly.
"There are only three people in the store; me, the owner, and Kelly. We're next to each other in the aisle and I said, 'Big win today, Coach. Congratulations.' Without a word, without looking at me, Kelly walked past me and out the door.
"As he walked out the front door I shouted after him, 'At least Andy Reid would have said hello!' "
The disappointing results seemingly increased Kenney's disdain for Kelly, as he was unimpressed two years later when the birds were thrashed by those same Buccaneers en route to a 7-9 season and a second year out of the playoffs.
Really, Chip, really?
— Jim Kenney (@JimFKenney) November 22, 2015
Now, Kelly is out of a job and the team is searching for a new head coach. A word of advice to the next guy to fill his shoes: be nice to the mayor at the grocery store.
