Chip Kelly Joins Ohio State as Offensive Coordinator: What to Expect

In a surprising turn of events, former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly has been named the new offensive coordinator at Ohio State University. Kelly, who was recently rumored to be joining the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator, has instead opted for a demotion in order to join the coaching staff of the Ohio State Buckeyes. This move has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, but it could have a significant impact on the team’s offense moving forward.

A Drop in Status, but Not in Talent

While it may seem like a step backward for Kelly, taking on the role of offensive coordinator after being a head coach in the college and professional ranks, it’s important to remember that he has a proven track record of success. As the head coach of the Oregon Ducks from 2009 to 2012, Kelly revolutionized the game with his innovative spread offense and led the team to four consecutive BCS bowl appearances, including a trip to the national championship game in 2010. He then moved on to the NFL, where he had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers before returning to the college ranks as the head coach of UCLA.

During his time at UCLA, Kelly’s teams struggled to find consistent success, but he still managed to produce a high-powered offense. In fact, his Bruins finished in the top 30 in total offense in each of his six seasons at the helm. With his proven ability to create explosive offenses, it’s no wonder that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was eager to bring Kelly on board.

A Boost for the Running Game

One area where Kelly’s presence is expected to make a big impact is in the running game. Throughout his coaching career, Kelly has been known for his ability to develop dynamic rushing attacks. His time at the University of New Hampshire, where he worked with current Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, showcased his expertise in this area.

During their time together at New Hampshire, Day was the offensive coordinator and Kelly was the wide receivers coach. Together, they helped guide the Wildcats to some of the most successful seasons in program history, including multiple trips to the FCS playoffs. Kelly’s experience and knowledge of the running game will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for Day and the Buckeyes.

Questions and Doubts

Despite his past successes, there are still some questions surrounding Kelly’s ability to succeed in his new role. After all, his tenure at UCLA was marked by inconsistency and an inability to win consistently. Additionally, his Bruins finished 129th in red zone offense last season, which is certainly cause for concern.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Kelly will be working with a much more talented roster at Ohio State than he had at UCLA. The Buckeyes consistently recruit some of the top high school prospects in the country, and they have the talent to compete at the highest level. With better personnel at his disposal, Kelly should be able to implement his system effectively and produce the desired results.

What This Means for Ohio State

For Ohio State fans, the addition of Chip Kelly to the coaching staff is an exciting development. While it remains to be seen how his hiring will impact the team on the field, there is no denying his ability to develop high-powered offenses. If he can utilize the Buckeyes’ talented roster to its full potential, Ohio State could have one of the most explosive offenses in the country.

Furthermore, Kelly’s experience and expertise will be valuable for the development of young quarterback CJ Stroud. As a former quarterback himself, Kelly understands the position and can provide valuable guidance to Stroud as he takes over as the team’s starter.

Overall, the addition of Chip Kelly to the coaching staff is a positive sign for Ohio State. While there are always risks associated with coaching changes, Kelly’s track record of success and offensive expertise make him a valuable addition to the program. Ohio State fans should be excited about the potential for a high-powered offense and continued success under his guidance.