Chip Kelly’s tenure as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator has come to an abrupt but unsurprising end. According to ESPN, the former Oregon and UCLA head coach is leaving the Buckeyes to take on the role of offensive coordinator for Pete Carroll and the Los Angeles Raiders.
A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement
Neither Ohio State nor Kelly should have any complaints about the brief partnership. Both sides knew what they were getting into, and both got what they needed. Now, it’s time to move on.
For the Raiders, Kelly brings his offensive expertise to a team that needs a spark. Carroll is looking for someone who can revamp the offense and put points on the board consistently—something Kelly has built his career on.
For Kelly, the move provides a way out of the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL deals dominate the game. In the NFL, he can focus solely on coaching while earning a lucrative salary.
Kelly’s NFL Return
At 61, Kelly may still have aspirations of leading an NFL team again. However, his previous stints as head coach with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers were underwhelming. While he made the playoffs once with the Eagles, his tenure ended after three seasons. His time in San Francisco was even shorter, as he finished with a 2-14 record before being let go. Both franchises have since seen better days, with the Eagles even making a Super Bowl appearance.
In Las Vegas, Kelly could be tasked with developing a rookie quarterback, as the Raiders hold the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. His reputation as an offensive innovator will be put to the test in a league that has evolved significantly since his last coaching stint.
Impact on Ohio State
Kelly’s departure leaves a noticeable gap for the Buckeyes, who must now search for a new offensive coordinator. Adding to the challenge, Ohio State also lost defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who recently accepted a position at Penn State.
Illinois fans will see how the revamped Buckeyes handle these coaching changes when Ohio State visits Memorial Stadium on October 11.
