After a tumultuous tenure at UCLA, it appears as if Chip Kelly is out at UCLA.
Reports indicate that the longtime head coach has left the program. Further reports suggest he could be on the move to Ohio State — where he’d team up with buddy Ryan Day to become the Buckeyes’ new Offensive Coordinator.
UCLA didn’t enjoy a ton of success under Kelly’s direction. Instead of bringing his famed ‘blur’ offense to the program (which made him famous at Oregon), he instituted more of a pro-style scheme which appeared a bit antiquated for the college game. Recruiting-wise, he never gained traction. The Bruins struggled to get high-level high school talent into the program. This was a relative shock considering the inherent advantages the school boasts from academics to location, and also a rich history of producing NFL talent.
The move puts UCLA in an unenviable spot where it now must pivot and figure out its direction ahead of a move to the Big Ten. An interim coach could be called on, though it may make more sense to go and hire a young, hungry coordinator from another school. At the very least, UCLA has to hire a leader who will actively want to recruit and raise money through a struggling NIL program.
Indirectly, this could be the jolt in the arm this program needs to rededicate itself to being a national brand. As for Kelly, if he does take the OSU job, he’ll be reunited with Day. Both New Hampshire natives, Day played for Chip Kelly at the University of New Hampshire. Day was also a member of Kelly’s staff with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. Kelly could end up being a very good fit in Columbus. He won’t have to worry about recruiting, and he’ll have access to a more talented crop of offensive players comparatively speaking.
Kelly had a 35-34 record in six seasons with the Bruins.
