The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, are basking in the glory of their first national championship under his tenure, following a hard-fought 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. However, as the confetti settles, the Buckeyes face the daunting task of holding their powerhouse program together in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
In addition to reports of top players like wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate being courted by other schools with lucrative NIL offers, Ohio State now faces the potential loss of one of its key architects: offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Kelly has caught the attention of multiple NFL franchises as a candidate for offensive coordinator roles. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are reportedly leading the charge, with Tampa Bay Buccaneers also emerging as a potential suitor. “Kelly is considered a target for both the Jaguars and Texans OC positions,†Jones reported. “Other NFL teams could also express interest.â€
For the Texans, the appeal is clear—reuniting Kelly with former Ohio State standout quarterback C.J. Stroud, who impressed as a rookie despite Houston’s struggles in 2024. After parting ways with OC Bobby Slowik earlier this week, the Texans are eager to revamp their offensive strategy. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are searching for fresh leadership following the hiring of Liam Coen as their head coach, and Tampa Bay is looking to fill the void left by Coen’s departure.
Kelly’s NFL experience adds to his appeal. After a stellar run at Oregon, he spent three seasons as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and one season with the San Francisco 49ers before returning to the college ranks. Following a five-year stint as UCLA’s head coach, Kelly joined Ohio State as offensive coordinator in 2023, helping the Buckeyes secure their national championship.
For Ryan Day, the challenge of keeping his team intact extends beyond the field. While he celebrates the Buckeyes’ hard-earned victory, he must also brace for the possibility of losing Kelly to the pros. As NFL teams ramp up their pursuit, Day’s offseason promises to be just as demanding as the championship run.
The clock is ticking for Ohio State to solidify its roster and coaching staff as the lure of the NFL looms large.
