Chip Kelly: LeSean McCoy is wrong, color has never been a factor

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Head coach Chip Kelly says LeSean McCoy is wrong when it comes to comments the former Philadelphia Eagles running back made about his coaching decisions and getting rid of black players.

"I have great respect for LeSean, however, in that situation I think he's wrong," Kelly said during a press conference prior to OTAs Thursday afternoon.

In an interview in the May 25th edition of ESPN Magazine, McCoy was asked what was the problem he had with Chip. McCoy said:

"We put a lot time in looking at the characters and factors that go into the selection and retention of players and color's never been one of them," Kelly said.

Kelly said he tried reaching out to McCoy, now a Buffalo Bill, but McCoy didn't accept his calls.

The head coach said he also left word with McCoy's agent.

"It doesn't hurt me. I'm not governed by the fear of what other people say. Events don't elicit feelings. Beliefs elicit feelings and I understand what my beliefs are and I know who I am," Kelly said.

Commenting on the Eagles quarterback situation, Kelly says Sam Bradford is still limited after his ACL tear, but will begin throwing 7 on 7 drills next week.

Bradford, meanwhile, is looking forward to being healthy.

"I think I get more comfortable out here every day. I get more comfortable with my knee and where it's at every day, the more I'm out here. Obviously, it would be nice to get out there and take some live reps. I think we're progressing towards that. I think once I get out there and take some reps, and 7 on 7, things will really start to come together," Bradford said.

Kelly says Tim Tebow has improved and is there because they needed a fourth quarterback.

However, Tebow will only be a quarterback.

"Tebow is a quarterback; we're not playing him at any other position," Kelly said.

Tebow tells Action News he is enjoying his return to football.

"All I know is that I'm enjoying this process. I'm going to take it day by day and try to improve, try to get better, and enjoy this, enjoy the opportunities. I think sometimes when things get taken away you don't realize how much fun it is to come out here and play this game. You can't play it forever, so I'm going to enjoy it," Tebow said.

As for the outlook of the Eagles, Kelly, not one to mince words, gave a quick response when asked if this team was better than last year's squad at this point.

"1,000 percent," Kelly said to some laughs.

"We can play a game today."