Chip Kelly, the current head coach of UCLA, is expected to join Ohio State as their new offensive coordinator, according to sources. This news comes after Ohio State’s previous offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, became the top target for the head coaching position at Boston College. Kelly’s experience as a head coach at Oregon, UCLA, and in the NFL is seen as valuable for Ohio State’s team.
Kelly and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day have a close relationship that dates back to their time in New Hampshire. Day played quarterback for Kelly at UNH and later coached with him on multiple occasions. When Kelly coached the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, Day served as the quarterback coach. Day joined Ohio State in 2017 as co-offensive coordinator and will now bring his mentor onto his staff.
Kelly’s departure from UCLA was not surprising given the program’s struggles in recruiting and finances. The Bruins have been unable to compete on the NIL front and have faced staffing issues due to financial constraints. Additionally, Kelly lost his defensive coordinator to crosstown rival USC, who offered a significantly higher salary. UCLA’s athletic department has been running at a deficit, and the football program has limited NIL support from donors. Kelly’s move to Ohio State allows him to work with a coach he trusts and join a program with more resources.
In Columbus, Kelly will bring his experience as an offensive play-caller and an offensive mind. During his time at Oregon, he called plays for a team that ranked in the top five in total offense and scoring from 2010 to 2012. At UCLA, he led an offense that was top-15 in scoring and fourth nationally in total offense in 2022. He will join an offensive staff that already features Justin Frye, who was Kelly’s offensive coordinator before leaving for Ohio State in 2022.
For UCLA, Kelly’s departure highlights the challenges they face as they prepare to move to the Big Ten Conference. The athletic department has been running at a deficit, and they will have to share a portion of their Big Ten revenue with Cal as part of an agreement with the UC Board of Regents. The football program has limited NIL support from donors, and Kelly had been relying heavily on transfers for recruiting. UCLA’s next head coach hire will be crucial, and they may need to find a coach willing to come at a lower salary.
Overall, Chip Kelly’s move to Ohio State as offensive coordinator is seen as a positive development for both him and the Buckeyes. His experience and offensive expertise will be valuable for Ohio State’s team, and he will be working with a coach he trusts. For UCLA, this departure highlights the challenges they face as they prepare to move to the Big Ten Conference and find a new head coach.