Coaches in college football often find themselves at a crossroads. When they lead a successful team, they face a tough choice: should they continue building on that success in the college ranks, or take the plunge into the NFL? This dilemma is one that many coaches grapple with, and Chip Kelly is no exception.
Chip Kelly’s coaching journey is a fascinating one, marked by both triumphs and challenges. After guiding the Oregon Ducks to the national championship game in 2011, he opted to stay for one more season before making the leap to the NFL in 2013. His tenure in the professional league spanned four seasons with two teams, ultimately leading him back to the college game.
Chip Kelly’s coaching timeline
Kelly’s coaching career began in 1990 and has spanned multiple levels of football, including both the NCAA and the NFL. He has held various positions at eight different schools and franchises, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
Columbia, 1990-1991
Kelly’s journey into coaching began after his playing days ended in 1984. He started as the defensive backs and special teams coach for Columbia’s freshman team. The following year, he was promoted to the varsity team’s outside linebacker and safety coach. However, the results were less than stellar, with Columbia finishing both seasons with a 1-9 record.
New Hampshire, 1992
In 1992, Kelly returned to his alma mater, New Hampshire, as the running backs coach. His time there was brief, but it set the stage for his future success. The team finished with a record of 5-5-1, missing the playoffs once again.
Johns Hopkins, 1993
Did you know that Johns Hopkins is more than just a prestigious medical school? In 1993, Kelly took on the role of defensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins, but the team struggled to find its footing, finishing with a 4-6 record.
Back to New Hampshire, 1994-2006
In 1994, Kelly returned to New Hampshire once more, where he truly found his coaching home. Over the next 13 years, he climbed the ranks from running backs coach to offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Wildcats enjoyed a mix of success, including playoff appearances and a notable 10-3 record in 2004.
Oregon, 2007-2012
Kelly’s big break came when he became the offensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks in 2007. He quickly made a name for himself, leading Oregon to a 10-3 record in his first season. In 2009, he was promoted to head coach, where he continued to build on that success. The Ducks won or tied for four consecutive Pac-12 titles, and Kelly’s teams consistently recorded at least 10 wins each season. The pinnacle of his college career came in 2011 when Oregon made it to the national championship game, narrowly losing to Auburn, 22-19.
Chip Kelly’s NFL journey
After his successful stint at Oregon, Kelly made the jump to the NFL, taking the helm as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. His arrival was met with great anticipation, and he quickly turned the team’s fortunes around. In his first two seasons, the Eagles won 10 games each year, securing a playoff berth and an NFC East title.
However, the winds of fortune shifted in 2015. After a disappointing 7-9 season, Kelly was let go just days before the end of the regular season. It was reported that team owner Jeffrey Lurie wanted to take away Kelly’s personnel decision-making power, leading to his dismissal.
Kelly’s next stop was with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. Unfortunately, his time there was short-lived, as he finished with a dismal 2-14 record before being fired once again.
Chip Kelly’s return to college football
After taking a year off from coaching in 2017, Kelly returned to the college ranks in 2018 as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Although his early years were rocky, with only 10 wins in his first three seasons, he gradually turned the program around. By the time he left UCLA in 2023, he had led the Bruins to three consecutive eight-win seasons.
Now, in 2024, Kelly has taken on the role of offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes. This marks a significant return to his roots, as he hasn’t served as an offensive coordinator since his time at Oregon. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes have been impressive, averaging the ninth-most yards per game (510.2) and scoring the seventh-most offensive touchdowns (30) in the nation.
Chip Kelly’s college and NFL records
Throughout his coaching career, Kelly has amassed a combined college record of 81-41 (.664), primarily during his time at Oregon, where he went 46-7 and secured three Pac-12 championships. Despite his success, he has yet to capture a national title, with the closest being the heartbreaking loss to Auburn in the 2011 BCS Championship game.
In the NFL, Kelly’s record stands at 28-35 (.444), with his most notable achievements coming during his early years with the Eagles. His coaching journey is a testament to the highs and lows that come with the profession, showcasing his resilience and passion for the game.
As Kelly prepares to face his former team, the Oregon Ducks, in a crucial Big Ten matchup, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his experience and innovative coaching style will shape the outcome. Will he lead the Buckeyes to victory, or will the Ducks prove to be a formidable opponent? One thing is for sure: Chip Kelly’s coaching saga is far from over, and the excitement surrounding his career continues to grow.
