Chip Kelly has officially joined Ohio State as the new offensive coordinator, stepping into a pivotal role as the Buckeyes gear up for the upcoming season.
This marks Kelly's first season with Ohio State after a notable tenure at UCLA , where he led the Bruins to consistent success.
Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, made the decision to hand over play-calling responsibilities, which opened the door for Kelly's hiring.
The Buckeyes are looking to build on their reputation as one of the top offenses in college football, especially with Kansas State transfer Will Howard taking the reins as the new starting quarterback.
Kelly is known for his innovative, fast-paced offensive strategies, which he first showcased during his time at Oregon.
His impressive track record includes leading the Ducks to a 46-7 record, three Pac-12 titles, and a BCS National Championship appearance.
After a stint in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, he returned to college football, where he spent the last six seasons at UCLA, achieving three consecutive seasons with at least eight wins.
His move to Ohio State surprised many, especially since he was still under contract with UCLA.
However, the opportunity to focus solely on coaching, rather than the broader responsibilities of a head coach, was a significant factor in his decision.
"I hadn’t actually coached a position since 2008," Kelly said at his first news conference at Ohio State in March . "My wife remarked, 'I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time.' To me, the best part of football is football, and so you got to do football and not do some of the things that are involved with the head coaching deal."
He added: "I just want to be happy, and I’m really happy coaching a position and really happy to be at this place."
Kelly's goal is clear: to concentrate on the game and help Ohio State compete for a national championship.
He replaces Bill O'Brien, who left to become the head coach at Boston College. Kelly's familiarity with Day dates back to their time together at New Hampshire, where Day played quarterback and Kelly was an assistant coach.
Their longstanding relationship is expected to foster a collaborative environment as they work together to enhance Ohio State's offensive performance.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their season opener against Akron, all eyes will be on Kelly and how he implements his offensive philosophy in Columbus.
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