Chip Kelly, the former head coach of UCLA, has joined the Ohio State football program as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This move comes after the departure of Bill O’Brien, who left after just three weeks to become the head coach at Boston College. Ohio State wasted no time in finding a replacement and turned to Kelly, who left his position at UCLA to join Ryan Day’s coaching staff.
Day and Kelly have a longstanding relationship that dates back 25 years when they first connected as coach and quarterback at the University of New Hampshire. Day later served as Kelly’s quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. Now, they are reunited once again, but this time with Day as the head coach and Kelly as his play-caller.
The hiring of Kelly brings a wealth of experience and stability to Day, who will be stepping away from play-calling duties for the first time. Kelly’s success at Oregon, where he served as offensive coordinator and head coach, is well-known. His up-tempo attack and high-scoring offenses made him renowned for his offensive prowess. He then transitioned to the NFL, where he led the Philadelphia Eagles to two consecutive 10-win seasons and an NFC East championship in 2013.
During his tenure at UCLA, Kelly’s teams had a record of 25-13. His resume closely mirrors that of O’Brien, who was hired by Day due to his NFL experience and head coaching background. However, Kelly and Day share even more commonality, not only in their background but also in their offensive philosophies.
Brian Hartline will continue to serve as co-offensive coordinator alongside Kelly, as was originally planned under O’Brien’s tenure. This collaboration between Hartline and Kelly will bring a diverse range of offensive strategies and ideas to the Ohio State football program.
The addition of Chip Kelly to the coaching staff has generated excitement within the Ohio State program. Head coach Ryan Day expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire, stating, “We are extremely excited to have Chip and his wife, Jill, joining our program. His experience as a head coach at Oregon, UCLA, and in the NFL will bring immediate value to our entire team. I am really looking forward to reconnecting with Chip, introducing him to our staff and team, and chasing a championship together.”
The Ohio State football program is known for its rich history and tradition of success. With the addition of Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the team is poised to continue its winning ways. Kelly’s expertise and innovative offensive strategies will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team’s performance. Buckeye fans can look forward to an exciting and dynamic offense under the guidance of Kelly and Day.
In conclusion, the hiring of Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State is a significant development for the football program. Kelly’s experience, success, and shared philosophies with head coach Ryan Day make him an ideal addition to the coaching staff. With his arrival, Ohio State is well-positioned to maintain its status as a powerhouse in college football.