ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Ousted NFL coach reportedly “on the radar” to fill open Patriots job

This would be a big-time hire.

The New England Patriots have a position open on the offensive side of the ball after tight ends coach Brian Daboll became Alabama's offensive coordinator, and Chip Kelly could be a candidate to join the Pats' staff.

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Related: Report: Alabama has a new offensive coordinator 

ESPN's Mike Reiss addressed the situation, and he said Kelly could be a candidate for the vacancy, though Bill Belichick typically likes to promote younger candidates for these kinds of positions.

"Belichick generally likes to groom young coaches and then promote them when opportunities arise," Reiss wrote. "So the first question will be how Belichick assesses the readiness of coaching assistants Nick Caley, Mike Pellegrino and Cole Popovich, or the idea of moving assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski to tight ends. But let's keep Kelly on the radar as well. It's a solid thought."

Kelly visited with the Patriots after he didn't get the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator position, and Reiss said Kelly is "well-like" by the Patriots' staff.

Kelly might opt to sit out for a year, but if Belichick does offer him the job, it would be fun to see Kelly work with the Rob Gronkowski and the Patriots offense.

(h/t ESPN)