Chip Kelly has his sights set on a memorable return to Southern California, with one vital detail standing out amidst the excitement.
“Make sure to pack extra sunscreen after seeing the weather report, since sunshine has been a rare sight for us in Columbus,” Kelly remarked with a playful grin.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, seeded eighth, are scheduled to clash with the top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl, marking a significant quarterfinal in the College Football Playoff. This game holds special meaning for Kelly, as this is a return to his roots after stepping down from his role at UCLA in February following a six-year tenure, to take on the position of offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
During his time with the Bruins, Kelly posted a record of 35 wins and 34 losses, with an improved 25-13 in his last three seasons. However, it seemed that UCLA had hit a plateau under his leadership after an 8-5 finish last season, a campaign during which they were expected to vie for the title in their final year within the Pac-12.
Last year, heading into the clash with Southern California, Kelly was under considerable pressure. However, following a 38-20 victory in that game, he was afforded an additional season. Reflecting on his experience with coaching quarterbacks leading up to the LA Bowl amid staff changes, Kelly acknowledged that he relished his time in the meeting rooms more than managing an entire program.
After exploring opportunities within the NFL, Kelly opted to rekindle his relationship with Ryan Day, a long-time friend.
“I had an excellent experience at UCLA with a fantastic staff and remarkable players. The role of a head coach requires juggling numerous responsibilities, but being a coordinator and solely focusing on quarterbacks offers a distinct experience,” Kelly shared. “It’s been enjoyable; I appreciate being back in constant contact with the players. As a head coach, there’s a bit of a disconnect, but as a coordinator, I’m deeply involved with the quarterbacks.”
Under Kelly’s guidance as play-caller, Ohio State ranks 11th in the country for scoring offense, averaging an impressive 36 points per game and sitting 32nd in total offense with an average of 427.3 yards per game.
Quarterback Will Howard, who shares a remarkable 73.2% completion rate—second in the nation alongside Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel—grew up idolizing the Philadelphia Eagles, where Kelly coached from 2013 to 2015. Howard expressed delight when Kelly referenced Eagles game footage during their quarterback sessions.
“I believe our chemistry has strengthened as the season progressed, with us often on the same wavelength,” Howard reflected. With 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions to his name, he added, “We enjoy discussing preferences and strategies in a productive manner. Collaborating with him has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Day also noted the growing comfort Kelly has exhibited as he continues to familiarize himself with Ohio State’s lineup while adapting to the intricacies of the Big Ten. In describing their recent performance, Day expressed satisfaction with the balanced attack in their 42-17 victory over Tennessee, where Howard completed 24 of 29 passes for 311 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, while the ground game added 156 yards at an average of 4.7 yards per carry.
“He possesses a great understanding of offensive football, adapting to various styles—from a high-tempo spread to utilizing multiple tight ends effectively,” Day remarked, adding that the top priority for any coordinator is ensuring the offense is positioned for success.
Kelly’s attachment to the Rose Bowl goes beyond his return; he previously served as head coach for Oregon from 2009 to 2012, achieving an impressive record of 46-7 before pursuing an NFL career. Strikingly, Kelly remains winless in six matches against the Ducks, including a 32-31 defeat in Eugene during a prime-time game on October 12.
In preparation for this face-off, Kelly confirmed that the offensive staff had meticulously reviewed all 13 games played by Oregon this season. A key consideration is the return of Ducks defensive end Jordan Burch, who missed their initial encounter, along with the distinct dynamics present now, given that both teams have played seven games since their last clash.
“Every game possesses a unique character, with individual matchups playing a critical role, including our offensive line up against one of the top defensive lines in the country,” Kelly stated. “Our objective is to position the players to capitalize on opportunities and let them shine. The enthusiasm and determination of this group make them a joy to coach day in and day out.”
