There’s been plenty of buzz around Deion Sanders and a potential leap to the NFL, with the Dallas Cowboys being the latest team in the rumor mill. Should Sanders make such a move, it’d leave a tantalizing vacancy for the Colorado Buffaloes’ head coach position. Enter Chip Kelly, a name that should be high on Colorado’s shortlist.
Kelly, currently the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is in the thick of a National Championship quest, poised to take on Notre Dame in what promises to be a showdown. His head coaching resume is exactly what the Buffaloes would need to ensure continuity and stability, allowing the program to avoid the hiccups of breaking in a rookie head coach.
Kelly’s track record speaks volumes. His college coaching career boasts an 81-41 record, highlighted by a sterling tenure with the Oregon Ducks, where he went an impressive 46-7. Though his subsequent stint with UCLA saw a more modest 35-34 record, it’s Kelly’s offensive acumen at both the collegiate and professional levels that stands out. During his time at Oregon from 2007 to 2012, Kelly consistently fielded offenses ranked among the nation’s elite, peaking with a top-ranked offense in 2010. His innovation didn’t stop at the college level—his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles saw the offenses ranked fourth and third, respectively. Even at UCLA from 2020 to 2022, his offenses remained within the top 20. Now at Ohio State, Kelly’s influence is evident with an offense that ranks 25th in passing yards and 30th overall.
A balanced offensive approach like Kelly’s would be a perfect fit for the Buffaloes, especially with top quarterback recruit Julian Lewis ready to step into the spotlight. Kelly’s familiarity with Lewis from his recruiting days at Ohio State is an added bonus, as he’d already be attuned to Lewis’ strengths and capabilities.
The potential departure of Sanders to the NFL would undoubtedly be a significant shift for Colorado, but bringing in an offensive mastermind like Kelly could keep the momentum going. His experience and strategic prowess would be vital in propelling the Buffaloes forward, ensuring that the program doesn’t miss a beat as it aims to ascend the college football hierarchy.
