Chip Kelly’s journey in college football has taken a significant turn, and it couldn’t have come at a more thrilling moment. After just one season at Ohio State, he played a pivotal role in helping the Buckeyes clinch their first national championship in a decade. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, Kelly’s impact on the team’s offense was undeniable, leading to a memorable season for everyone involved.
Chip Kelly’s New Adventure
On Sunday, news broke that Kelly is set to leave Ohio State to join Pete Carroll as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. This transition marks a new chapter for Kelly, who has previously experienced both highs and lows in the NFL. It’s a move that many are watching closely, as Kelly aims to bring his innovative offensive strategies to the professional level once again.
A Special Bond
Reflecting on his time with Kelly, Day expressed how meaningful their collaboration was. “That was great,” Day said when discussing the opportunity to work alongside Kelly. “We talked about the fact that we had a really good group here, and the dream would be to win a national championship and then he would have an opportunity to decide whether he wants to stay or go to the NFL. That’s exactly what happened.”
Their partnership was not just a professional arrangement; it was a reunion of sorts. Day’s first college coaching job was back in 2002 when he served as the tight ends coach at New Hampshire, where Kelly was the offensive coordinator. Their paths crossed again in 2016 when Kelly, then head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, brought Day on board as his quarterbacks coach. This history made their collaboration at Ohio State even more special.
From UCLA to Ohio State
Kelly’s journey to Ohio State began when he left his position as head coach at UCLA in the offseason. He joined Day in Columbus with a shared vision: to chase a championship. And chase they did! The Buckeyes’ offense flourished under Kelly’s direction, a testament to his coaching prowess and ability to adapt to the college game.
This season was not just about winning; it was about building a legacy. The Buckeyes showcased a potent offense that dazzled fans and left opponents scrambling. With Kelly at the helm, Ohio State’s offensive unit became one of the most formidable in the nation, a feat that will be remembered for years to come.
Kelly’s NFL Experience
While Kelly’s time at Ohio State was marked by success, his previous NFL experiences have been a mixed bag. He first made the jump to the NFL in 2013, taking the reins of the Philadelphia Eagles after a successful stint as the head coach at Oregon. In his first two years with the Eagles, he led the team to back-to-back 10-6 records, even winning the NFC East in his inaugural season. However, the playoff success eluded him, as the Eagles fell short in the Wild Card Game against the New Orleans Saints.
Unfortunately, the following seasons were less kind to Kelly. After failing to make the playoffs in his second year, the Eagles struggled in his third, finishing with a disappointing 6-9 record. This led to his dismissal from the team.
Kelly’s second opportunity in the NFL came with the San Francisco 49ers, but it was short-lived. He managed only a 2-14 record in his single season there, which ultimately ended his tenure in the league at that time. Despite these challenges, Kelly’s passion for the game and his innovative offensive mind have kept him in the conversation as a top-tier coach.
Looking Ahead
As Kelly prepares to embark on this new journey with the Raiders, the excitement is palpable. Day expressed his anticipation for the future, saying, “To be able to have a beer in a few years and talk about the year that we had together is gonna be special.” This sentiment captures the essence of their relationship and the impact they had on each other’s careers.
The Buckeyes will undoubtedly feel Kelly’s absence, but the foundation he helped build will remain. With a national championship under their belts, Day and his coaching staff will look to continue the momentum and uphold the high standards that Kelly helped establish.
In the world of college football, change is constant, and new opportunities arise every season. Chip Kelly’s move to the NFL is just one of many stories that illustrate the dynamic nature of the sport. Fans will be eager to see how he translates his college success into the professional arena. Will he find the same level of success with the Raiders? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the impact of his time at Ohio State will resonate for years to come.
