Chip Kelly Set to Join Ohio State as Offensive Coordinator
In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that UCLA coach Chip Kelly will be leaving the program to become the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State. Sources have confirmed this news to ESPN, and it is expected that Kelly will replace Bill O’Brien, who is set to become the head coach at Boston College.
This move comes as part of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s decision to no longer call plays and take a more holistic approach to running the program. O’Brien was hired in mid-January, but it seems that his tenure at Ohio State will be short-lived as he moves on to Boston College.
However, Ohio State will have to pay a $1.5 million buyout for Kelly, which indicates the value they see in him as an offensive coordinator. Kelly’s track record speaks for itself, as he went 35-34 during his six seasons at UCLA, ending his tenure with three consecutive winning campaigns.
What makes this move even more interesting is the fact that Kelly will be joining a growing trend of college head coaches leaving their positions to take on assistant roles. Jeff Hafley, Mo Linguist, and Kane Wommack are among the other coaches who have made similar moves this cycle.
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond expressed his gratitude towards Kelly for his service to UCLA Football and wished him and his wife Jill the best for their future endeavors. It is clear that Kelly’s departure will leave a void in the UCLA program, and a national search for a new head coach has already begun.
Kelly had also been in the running for several NFL coordinator jobs, including the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator position. However, he has decided to return to the college ranks and reunite with his longtime friend and former assistant coach, Ryan Day.
The connection between Kelly and Day goes back decades, as both are natives of New Hampshire. Kelly actually coached Day during his college days at the University of New Hampshire, and Day later worked for Kelly in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Their strong relationship and shared football philosophy make them a formidable duo.
Kelly is widely regarded as a gifted playcaller and has a history of success as an offensive coordinator and innovator. He has previously held these roles at both New Hampshire and Oregon, where he helped revolutionize the game with his high-tempo offense. As he transitioned to the NFL, Kelly’s offensive style became more deliberate but still maintained its effectiveness.
Now, Kelly will have the opportunity to call the shots for a talented Ohio State roster. With transfer quarterback Will Howard, tailbacks TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and receiver Emeka Egbuka, Kelly will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. It will be exciting to see how he utilizes their skills and brings his unique offensive approach to the Buckeyes.
In conclusion, Chip Kelly’s decision to join Ohio State as their offensive coordinator has sent shockwaves through the college football world. With his proven track record and strong relationship with Ryan Day, there is no doubt that Kelly will make a significant impact on the Buckeyes’ offense. Fans can look forward to an exciting era of innovative playcalling and high-scoring games under Kelly’s guidance.