Marcus Mariota: Wherever Chip Kelly lands, he'll be successful

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota says he believes in Chip Kelly's abilities as a coach, but stopped short of commenting on whether he would like to reunite with Kelly in Nashville.

Kelly was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles this week after nearly three seasons with the team. Mariota played under Kelly at Oregon in 2012.

"Obviously we've had a connection through Oregon but my mindset isn't on that," Mariota told reporters Thursday. "It's unfortunate he's in his situation. Whatever team he ends up with, he's going to be a big success."

The Titans, who have the inside track for the top pick in the draft, are expected to move on from interim head coach Mike Mularkey after the season.

Kelly is rumored to have pushed hard to trade up in the 2015 draft, ostensibly to select Mariota.