Chip Kelly’s tenure as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator has reignited his reputation as one of the brightest minds in football. With the Buckeyes poised to play in the National Championship against Notre Dame, Kelly finds himself in an enviable position. While the head coaching role at Colorado may be enticing, staying in Columbus offers Kelly unparalleled opportunities for success at the highest level of college football.
The biggest reason for Kelly to stay is the championship pedigree of Ohio State. The Buckeyes are perennial contenders with a roster brimming with elite talent. Kelly’s current role allows him to work with some of the best athletes in the country, a luxury Colorado simply can’t match. Furthermore, the resources, facilities, and recruiting power at Ohio State are second to none. Winning a national title as part of Ryan Day’s staff would solidify Kelly’s status as one of the top offensive minds in the sport.
Kelly also benefits from working in a system that emphasizes balance and innovation. His offensive schemes have flourished at Ohio State, blending perfectly with the program’s tradition of high-powered offenses. The Buckeyes finished the season among the top teams in passing and total offense, a testament to Kelly’s ability to adapt and excel. Leaving a program with such a strong foundation for the uncertainty of Colorado could jeopardize the momentum he has built.
Finally, the pressure and challenges of being a head coach again might not align with Kelly’s current career goals. At Ohio State, he can focus on what he does best—crafting elite offenses—without the administrative burdens of managing an entire program. For a coach who has already proven himself at the highest levels, staying at Ohio State allows Kelly to continue influencing the game while chasing championships.
In the end, Ohio State provides stability, prestige, and a path to continued success. For Chip Kelly, staying put might be the smarter play in his pursuit of football immortality.
