In a surprising move during the college football offseason, Chip Kelly, the head coach of UCLA, has decided to leave the Bruins to take on the role of offensive coordinator for Ohio State football. This reunites him with former colleague Ryan Day, with whom he previously coached in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers.
After accepting the position, Kelly signed a three-year deal with the Buckeyes, extending through the 2026 season, as reported by Bruce Feldman. Interestingly, both Kelly and Day not only coached together but also hail from the same town of Manchester, New Hampshire. Day, who was once the quarterback for Kelly at the University of New Hampshire, has maintained a close relationship with him over the years.
In response to Kelly’s hiring, Day expressed his excitement, stating, “His experience as a head coach at Oregon, UCLA, and in the NFL will bring immediate value to our entire team. I am really looking forward to reconnecting with Chip, introducing him to our staff and team, and chasing a championship together.”
Kelly, who served as the head coach of UCLA for six years, achieving a 9-4 record in 2022, has a notable track record in offensive coordinator positions. This move is considered a fantastic hire for Day and Ohio State, as it brings in someone he knows well. There is confidence that Kelly will excel in leading a revamped OSU offense, especially with the challenges of losing significant talent to the NFL Draft.