REPORT: Ohio State OC Chip Kelly Lands New Coaching Job With Surprise NFL Team
In a stunning turn of events, Chip Kelly, the offensive coordinator for Ohio State, has secured a new coaching position in the NFL, marking the end of his tenure with the Buckeyes. According to sources close to the program, Kelly has agreed to terms with a surprise team: the Las Vegas Raiders. This news has sent shockwaves through both the college football and NFL worlds, with many speculating about the implications of Kelly’s decision to leave a top-tier college program for the professional ranks.
Kelly’s move to the Raiders comes after a highly successful run at Ohio State, where he revitalized the team’s offense with an innovative, fast-paced style that redefined the Buckeyes’ attack. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring offenses, Kelly’s coaching philosophy brought Ohio State back into national championship contention, and his ability to develop quarterbacks and skill position players elevated the program to new heights. His departure is a huge blow to the Buckeyes, who now face the challenge of finding a replacement capable of maintaining the offensive momentum Kelly helped build.
Chip Kelly’s Impact at Ohio State
Kelly’s arrival at Ohio State marked a pivotal moment for the program, particularly following the departure of former head coach Urban Meyer. As offensive coordinator, Kelly’s ability to implement a system that blended traditional power football with modern spread concepts transformed the Buckeyes into one of the most potent offenses in the country. Under his guidance, Ohio State routinely ranked among the nation’s leaders in total offense, scoring, and passing efficiency. Quarterbacks and wide receivers, in particular, flourished under Kelly’s tutelage, as his ability to adapt to the strengths of his players made the offense unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Beyond Xs and Os, Kelly’s recruiting prowess also played a significant role in Ohio State’s success during his time with the program. His reputation for developing NFL-ready talent helped the Buckeyes secure top-tier recruits year after year, making them a dominant force in the Big Ten and on the national stage. With Kelly’s departure, Ohio State faces the daunting task of replacing a coach who helped shape the team’s identity and contributed to their continued dominance.
The Surprise Move to the NFL
Kelly’s decision to leave college football for the NFL has raised eyebrows, especially considering his status as one of the top coordinators in the country. While Kelly had previously enjoyed success in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he coached from 2013 to 2015, his time in the pros ended with mixed results. After being fired by the Eagles, Kelly spent time as the head coach at UCLA, where he had moderate success before returning to Ohio State. Despite his college success, the allure of the NFL and the challenge of coaching at the highest level seems to have been too much to resist.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase under head coach Josh McDaniels, appear to see Kelly as a key piece to their future offensive development. The Raiders, with their potent offensive weapons like quarterback Derek Carr and star wide receiver Davante Adams, are hoping Kelly can bring his high-powered offensive system to the NFL once again. Kelly’s fast-paced, no-huddle offense is expected to mesh well with the Raiders’ personnel, and his innovative approach to offensive football could provide a significant boost to the team.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
With Kelly now officially gone, Ohio State is left with a major void on its coaching staff. The university has not yet announced a formal replacement, but candidates from both within and outside the program will likely be considered. The next offensive coordinator will face the pressure of continuing the high level of performance established by Kelly, while also adapting to the evolving landscape of college football.
Ohio State’s administration will likely prioritize finding a coach with a similar offensive philosophy—one who can maintain the program’s dynamic, up-tempo style. Whether that means promoting from within or hiring an external candidate, the pressure will be on to make the right choice as the Buckeyes look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and nationally.
Conclusion
Chip Kelly’s surprise move to the Las Vegas Raiders is a seismic shift in both college and professional football. His success at Ohio State was undeniable, and his departure leaves a massive hole in the Buckeyes’ offensive structure. However, Ohio State has a storied program and will undoubtedly find a capable successor to keep the offense humming. For Kelly, the move to the NFL represents a new challenge—one that could define the next chapter of his coaching career. As both Ohio State and the Raiders embark on new eras, all eyes will be on how the transition unfolds for both teams.
