Chip Kelly, the head coach of UCLA’s football team, has made a surprising move by leaving his position to become the offensive coordinator for Ohio State. This unexpected decision has left UCLA and its recruits in a difficult situation, as the national letter of intent signing period has already passed, and spring practice is approaching. The timing of Kelly’s departure has put UCLA in a poor position as they prepare for their first season in the Big Ten conference.
Kelly had previously expressed interest in exploring opportunities with NFL teams for an offensive coordinator position. However, his decision to join Ohio State as an offensive coordinator has raised eyebrows and is seen by many as a step down from his previous role as a head coach.
In response to Kelly’s departure, UCLA’s athletic director, Martin Jarmond, released a statement announcing that a national search for a replacement has already begun. Several names have been circulating in the rumor mill as potential candidates to fill the vacant head coaching position at UCLA. These include former USC coach Pete Carroll, Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White, former Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and former Stanford coach David Shaw, among others.
The timing of Kelly’s departure is particularly challenging for UCLA as they prepare for their upcoming season. The team is set to open their 2024 season with a road trip to play against Hawaii on August 31. Their first home game will be on September 14 against Indiana.
The departure of Chip Kelly has undoubtedly left UCLA fans divided. While some may have been hoping for a change in leadership, the manner in which Kelly left has caught many by surprise. It remains to be seen how UCLA will navigate this unexpected transition and find a suitable replacement for their head coaching position.
As UCLA searches for a new head coach, the football program will need to act swiftly to ensure stability and maintain the trust of their recruits. The upcoming season in the Big Ten conference will undoubtedly present new challenges for the team, and having a strong coaching staff in place will be crucial for their success.
In the meantime, UCLA fans will eagerly await updates on the search for a new head coach and hope that the program can find a suitable replacement who can lead the team to victory in their upcoming season.