Chip Kelly’s potential move from Ohio State to Colorado would mark the next logical step in his storied coaching career. As the offensive coordinator of the Buckeyes, Kelly has reestablished himself as one of the premier minds in college football. However, stepping into the head coaching role at Colorado would offer Kelly something Ohio State cannot—a chance to fully control and reshape a program in need of sustained leadership.
One of the most compelling reasons for Kelly to leave is the opportunity to be the architect of a rising program. Under Deion Sanders, Colorado has already demonstrated it can compete on the national stage, especially with the acquisition of top quarterback recruit Julian Lewis. Kelly’s proven offensive schemes would be a perfect match for Lewis, allowing him to build an elite, balanced offense capable of contending in the competitive Pac-12 and beyond.
Kelly’s head coaching experience speaks for itself. At Oregon, he turned the Ducks into a powerhouse, compiling a 46-7 record and fielding some of the most dynamic offenses in college football history. Even during his stint at UCLA, he showed flashes of brilliance despite roster limitations. Colorado would benefit immensely from Kelly’s ability to recruit top talent and develop players into NFL-caliber athletes, ensuring the program doesn’t regress if Sanders departs.
While Kelly is thriving as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, the reality is that he’s operating within a system largely defined by head coach Ryan Day. At Colorado, Kelly would have full autonomy to implement his vision. This opportunity to take the reins of a program with momentum, resources, and a promising future could be too good to pass up. For Kelly, leaving Ohio State for Colorado isn’t just a career move—it’s a chance to cement his legacy as one of the best program builders in college football.