Shockwaves rippled through the football world on Sunday when Chip Kelly, who served as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator this past season, announced his departure to return to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelly will join new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who was recently hired to take over the position. This unexpected move has left many in the college football community buzzing.
Kelly’s Impact at Ohio State
During his time at Ohio State, Kelly made a significant impact on the Buckeyes’ offense. Under his guidance, the team finished No. 13 in scoring, averaging an impressive 35.7 points per game. They also ranked 28th in total yardage, racking up 429.4 yards per game, and stood out with a remarkable 4th place finish in yards per play at 6.9. These numbers speak volumes about Kelly’s ability to orchestrate a potent offense.
One of the players who flourished under Kelly’s offensive scheme was wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. In his freshman season, Smith recorded 76 catches for 1,315 yards and an astounding 15 touchdowns. His performance during the College Football Playoff was particularly noteworthy, as he made 19 receptions for 381 yards and five touchdowns. This stellar play was crucial in leading Ohio State to a national championship appearance. So, how will Smith adjust to this sudden change? Just after the news broke, he took to X to express his disappointment, posting a simple “Nooooo” accompanied by a heartbreak emoji. It’s clear that Kelly’s departure has left a mark on both the player and the program.
A Surprising Trend
Kelly’s departure marks a surprising second straight move in as many seasons. Last year, he made headlines when he unexpectedly left his head coaching position at UCLA to take on the offensive coordinator role at Ohio State under Ryan Day. Now, with another sudden exit, one has to wonder: what does this mean for the future of coaching in college football? Is the trend of coaches moving between college and the NFL becoming more common?
While this move marks a significant win for the Raiders, it’s another major loss for Day and Ohio State. Kelly becomes the third key assistant to leave the program in recent months, following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ move to Penn State and offensive line coach Justin Frye’s decision to join the Arizona Cardinals. With these departures, Day now faces the challenge of rebuilding his staff. The question remains: how will he fill these crucial roles and maintain the momentum built over the past season?
Returning to the NFL
Kelly should have no problem acclimating back to the NFL, as he is very familiar with the league. He served as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach from 2013 to 2015, where he made a name for himself with an innovative offensive style. Following that stint, he spent one year with the San Francisco 49ers. His experience in the NFL will undoubtedly serve him well as he steps into this new role with the Raiders.
The Raiders, under the leadership of new head coach Pete Carroll, are looking to revitalize their offense. With Kelly’s proven track record, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will influence the team’s performance. Will he bring the same creativity and effectiveness that characterized his time at Ohio State? The anticipation is palpable.
What Lies Ahead for Ohio State?
As Ohio State grapples with these coaching changes, the focus will shift to how they can adapt and rebuild. Ryan Day has proven to be a resilient leader, but losing three key assistants in such a short span raises questions about continuity and stability within the program. Who will step up to fill these roles? Can Day attract top talent to ensure that the Buckeyes remain competitive on the national stage?
The impact of Kelly’s departure is not just felt on the field but also in the recruiting landscape. How will this affect Ohio State’s ability
