Ohio State is set for a significant change in 2025 with the departure of two key coordinators. Chip Kelly, who recently joined the Buckeyes as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, is heading back to the NFL. He’s snagged the role of offensive coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel. This marks a notable shift for Ohio State, as Kelly becomes the third assistant coach to exit this offseason, following the footsteps of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and offensive line coach Justin Frye. Knowles is off to Penn State as their new defensive coordinator, while Frye has taken on the role of offensive line coach with the Arizona Cardinals.
Kelly, who’s agreed to a $350,000 buyout due to his early departure, had openly shown interest in making the NFL leap last offseason. His journey with Ohio State kicked off last February, stepping in for Bill O’Brien, who made a quick exit to Boston College. Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ head coach, chose Kelly—his former mentor during their time at the University of New Hampshire—to manage the offensive plays for the 2024 season. This was a first for Day, as he handed over the reins of play-calling.
Under Kelly’s guidance, Ohio State saw an impressive surge in their offense, upping their average to 35.7 points per game—over five points more than the previous year. Quarterback Will Howard put on a stellar show, setting a school record by completing 73% of his passes and piloting the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Now, Ohio State faces the challenge of appointing a new offensive coordinator for the third consecutive year. The option to promote someone from within, like a familiar face such as Brian Hartline or even considering a return for former coordinator Kevin Wilson, is on the table. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes remain an attractive destination for offensive minds across the country, boasting a formidable roster headlined by standout receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Heading back to the NFL, Kelly will return to a stage he’s known well, having previously coached the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013 to 2015 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. Before his latest stint at Ohio State, he was the head coach at UCLA from 2018 to 2023. His decision to join Ohio State was driven by a desire to focus on the nuances of football coaching, stepping away from the broader responsibilities of a head coach. As he transitions to the Raiders, Ohio State’s future offensive strategy remains an intriguing storyline for fans and analysts alike.
