Ohio State’s Ryan Day Drops Blunt Statement on Chip Kelly
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is known for his calculated approach to both coaching and public statements, but recently, Day made a rare exception when discussing the legacy of Chip Kelly. In a moment of candid reflection, Day shared his thoughts on Kelly, who helped revolutionize college football’s offensive game with his innovative spread offense.
Chip Kelly’s impact on the sport, especially in terms of how offenses are structured, is undeniable. His up-tempo, no-huddle style at Oregon changed the landscape of college football, influencing how many programs approach offensive schemes today. His influence was so great that his methods eventually translated into the NFL, where he enjoyed varying degrees of success. Despite his innovative genius, Kelly’s reputation has been a subject of debate, particularly after his time in the NFL and the more recent challenges he’s faced at UCLA.
In a recent press conference, when asked about Kelly’s influence on the game and how it has shaped the modern offensive game, Ryan Day didn’t mince words. Day, who has built his own high-powered offensive system at Ohio State, acknowledged Kelly’s historical significance but also pointed out that Kelly’s strategies are not as dominant as they once were. “Chip Kelly changed the game, no question about that,” Day said bluntly. “But it’s fair to say the game has evolved, and not all of his concepts still carry the same weight they used to.”
Day’s statement drew attention because of its frankness. While acknowledging Kelly’s revolutionary contributions, Day seemed to imply that the evolution of the game had passed Kelly’s style by in certain aspects. The Ohio State coach’s offense, a blend of high tempo and dynamic passing, is far more modern and adapted to today’s game than the pure spread and tempo-heavy approach that Kelly championed at Oregon. In particular, Day’s offense relies on a more balanced attack, utilizing a blend of run-pass options (RPOs) and deep passing, making it harder for defenses to predict and counter.
It’s important to note that while Day’s remarks were direct, they weren’t entirely dismissive. Instead, he seemed to be making a point about the nature of college football’s constant evolution. Kelly’s emphasis on the fast-paced, no-huddle attack might have been a game-changer at the time, but the modern college game has continued to adapt. Day’s offense at Ohio State is a good example of how coaches must innovate and adjust to stay ahead of the competition.
The bluntness of Day’s comment comes at a time when Ohio State, under Day’s leadership, has become a perennial playoff contender, while Kelly’s UCLA program is still working to regain national relevance. Despite Kelly’s past successes, it’s clear that the college football world has shifted, and coaches like Ryan Day are now at the forefront of that transformation.
For Day, who is quickly establishing himself as one of the top minds in college football, the statement serves as a reminder of how rapidly the game is changing and how important it is for coaches to evolve with it. While Chip Kelly’s legacy is secure in terms of his innovative approach to the game, Day’s blunt assessment indicates that the next generation of coaches—himself included—are now leading the charge in redefining what modern offenses can look like.
