Chip Kelly was a one-and-done as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, but it was easily one of the best one-and-done situations ever
In a surprising turn of events, Chip Kelly, who had been serving as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator since February 2024, has accepted the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders. This move marks Kelly’s return to the NFL, where he previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers.
Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, expressed mixed emotions regarding Kelly’s departure. Having played under Kelly at the University of New Hampshire and later collaborating with him in the NFL, Day had a deep-rooted professional relationship with Kelly. Their reunion at Ohio State was seen as a strategic move to revitalize the Buckeyes’ offense.
Upon Kelly’s arrival in Columbus, Day made the significant decision to relinquish his play-calling duties, entrusting them to Kelly. This shift allowed Day to focus more on overarching team management, player development, and navigating the complexities of modern college football, including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. Day remarked, “Not having to call the plays has certainly allowed me the opportunity to be more involved in the game management, seeing the clock, communication on all three phases, encouraging the players and everything else.”
Kelly’s impact on the Buckeyes was immediate. Under his guidance, the offense showcased versatility, blending traditional spread concepts with innovative formations. Day highlighted this adaptability, stating, “Chip has a background of doing things a lot of different ways… There’s a lot of different versatility in his background.”
However, with Kelly’s departure, Day faces the challenge of maintaining the offensive momentum. The trust and camaraderie between the two had been pivotal. Day previously emphasized, “I trust Chip with my life, and that’s a big part of any time you are handing something over like that that you have done almost your entire career.”
The timing of Kelly’s exit is particularly sensitive. The Buckeyes are in the midst of a promising season, with aspirations for a national championship. The sudden change in leadership could disrupt the team’s rhythm. Day acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic, stating, “It’s certainly a significant change, but our focus remains on the goals we’ve set for this season. Our coaching staff and players are resilient, and we will navigate this transition together.”
In the interim, Day has appointed quarterbacks coach Brian Hartline as the acting offensive coordinator. Hartline, a former Buckeyes wide receiver and NFL veteran, has been instrumental in developing Ohio State’s receiving corps. His familiarity with the team’s offensive philosophy and rapport with the players make him a natural choice to step into the role.
As for Kelly, his decision to return to the NFL underscores his enduring ambition to succeed at the professional level. The Raiders, currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, view Kelly’s innovative offensive mind as the catalyst needed to rejuvenate the franchise. Kelly commented on his new role, stating, “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the Raiders and bring a fresh perspective to the team. My time at Ohio State was invaluable, and I’m grateful to Coach Day and the players for their support.”
The departure of a key coordinator mid-season is a significant test for any program. However, with Day’s leadership and the collective effort of the coaching staff and players, the Buckeyes aim to stay on course. The coming weeks will reveal how the team adapts to this unexpected change and continues its pursuit of excellence on the field.
