In a surprising development, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again in the market for a new Offensive Coordinator after Chip Kelly announced his departure to join the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Kelly, who was brought in earlier this year to bring his innovative offensive mind to Columbus, is heading back to the professional ranks, this time as the Offensive Coordinator under newly appointed Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.
This move comes as a significant shake-up for the Buckeyes, who were hopeful that Kelly’s presence would stabilize and energize their offense following a disappointing end to the 2023 season. Kelly’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes tempo, spacing, and creativity, had excited Buckeye fans and brought national attention to the program. His reputation as one of football’s more forward-thinking minds made him a high-profile hire for Ryan Day’s staff.
Kelly’s departure leaves Ohio State in a difficult position. The timing of the move—well into the offseason and just months before the 2025 college football campaign—means Day and his staff must scramble to find a replacement. Continuity is crucial in college football, especially when working with young quarterbacks and a new playbook. The Buckeyes were poised to install Kelly’s system during spring and summer practices, but that plan is now in flux.
Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach, is likely feeling the pressure. After stepping back from full-time play-calling duties to focus more on overall program management, Day had entrusted Kelly with running the offense. Now, he may face a tough choice: resume those duties himself, or quickly find a qualified coach who can step in and implement a plan with little preparation time.
For Kelly, the move marks another chapter in his NFL journey. After head coaching stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, he returned to the college ranks at UCLA and briefly at Ohio State. His jump back to the NFL, this time in a coordinator role, could be an opportunity to rebuild his professional reputation without the pressure of being a head coach.
The Raiders, meanwhile, gain a seasoned play-caller with experience at both the college and NFL levels. Kelly’s offensive acumen could provide a spark for a Raiders team looking to improve its offensive consistency. Pairing his system with a young and developing quarterback—whether that’s Aidan O’Connell or another option—could be part of a broader rebuild in Las Vegas.
For Ohio State, the immediate future is uncertain. The team remains a national championship contender, boasting one of the most talented rosters in college football. However, losing a coordinator of Kelly’s caliber so late in the offseason presents a serious challenge. Whoever steps in will need to quickly gain the trust of players and coaches alike while navigating the expectations that come with leading one of college football’s premier programs.
All eyes will now be on Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ next move. The clock is ticking, and with the 2025 season rapidly approaching, there’s little room for error in choosing Kelly’s successor.
