According to a report, the Ohio State Buckeyes have made a major change to their coaching staff with the loss of Chip Kelly to the NFL.

In a stunning move that has left college football fans and analysts alike reeling, Chip Kelly, one of the most innovative offensive minds in football, is set to leave the Ohio State Buckeyes and make the jump to the NFL. The decision marks a significant shake-up for Ohio State’s coaching staff, raising questions about the future direction of the team and the program’s offensive approach. Kelly, known for revolutionizing college football with his up-tempo, high-scoring offenses, has been a key figure in Ohio State’s recent success. His departure will undoubtedly have a ripple effect, both within the program and across the broader college football landscape.

A Look at Chip Kelly’s Impact at Ohio State

When Chip Kelly was hired by Ohio State, there was palpable excitement surrounding the move. Kelly had already made a name for himself in college football with his dynamic, no-huddle offensive schemes during his time at Oregon, where his teams set records for offensive production and scoring. His success in transforming Oregon into a national powerhouse was well-documented, as his offenses became known for their speed, precision, and relentless tempo. With his departure to the NFL, many believed Kelly was ready for the next challenge, but not before bringing his brand of high-flying offense to Ohio State.

Kelly’s tenure in Columbus was marked by several noteworthy achievements, most notably the success of Ohio State’s offense under his guidance. The Buckeyes, typically known for their powerful running game and pro-style offenses, saw a shift in offensive philosophy when Kelly arrived. His influence was immediately felt, as Ohio State’s offense took on a more fast-paced, dynamic look. The Buckeyes’ playbook expanded, and Kelly infused the team with a fresh energy, one that mirrored the success of his past teams. The transformation was clear — Ohio State’s offense was now a well-oiled machine capable of scoring in a variety of ways, with a focus on creating mismatches and exploiting defenses with pace.

In just a short time, Kelly helped elevate Ohio State’s already impressive offense to new heights. Under his guidance, quarterbacks flourished, wide receivers thrived, and running backs found new lanes in the fast-paced system. Ohio State became one of the most potent offenses in the country, routinely putting up huge numbers on the scoreboard and dazzling fans with their high-octane style of play. With Kelly at the helm, the Buckeyes were primed for a serious push toward national championships, and they appeared to be one of the teams to beat in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

The Shock of Kelly’s Departure

Given the immense success that Kelly experienced at Ohio State, his departure to the NFL comes as a shocking twist. Ohio State, one of the most storied programs in college football history, had been on the precipice of greatness under Kelly’s leadership, with an offense that was as explosive as any in the nation. To lose such an influential figure raises questions about the program’s future and what this shift means for Ohio State’s recruiting, coaching, and overall trajectory.

While the specifics of Kelly’s departure have yet to be fully revealed, reports indicate that the move is a result of the unique opportunity presented to him by an NFL team. Kelly has long been linked with NFL aspirations, and it appears that his time at Ohio State was a stepping stone in what many believe is his eventual move to the professional ranks. Kelly had previously made an attempt to transition to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as the head coach from 2013 to 2015. While his time with the Eagles was marked by both success and controversy, it was clear that Kelly’s innovative approach to offense intrigued NFL teams.

Now, with the latest reports confirming Kelly’s decision to leave for the NFL, Ohio State fans are left wondering what the future holds. While Kelly’s offensive prowess had undoubtedly shaped the Buckeyes’ identity, it is still unclear how the team will adjust without him at the helm. The program will need to find a new offensive leader who can carry on the momentum Kelly built and continue to produce at the highest level.

The Search for a Replacement: What’s Next for Ohio State?

With Chip Kelly’s departure, the focus shifts to Ohio State’s next steps in filling the void left by one of the top offensive minds in the game. The Buckeyes will need to identify a candidate capable of continuing the offensive revolution that Kelly started while maintaining the program’s elite status. The search for Kelly’s replacement is already underway, with Ohio State likely to cast a wide net in pursuit of the best available candidates.

Ohio State’s administration is undoubtedly aware of the importance of this hire. As a perennial powerhouse, Ohio State’s expectations are always high, and the program can ill afford a drop-off in offensive production. The Buckeyes will likely be looking for a coach who is able to blend innovation with consistency, someone who can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football and keep Ohio State’s offense at the top of the rankings.

There are several names that immediately come to mind when discussing potential candidates to replace Kelly. Keenan McCardell, the current wide receivers coach for Ohio State, could be a potential internal candidate. McCardell has a strong background in coaching and a deep understanding of Ohio State’s offensive philosophy. He could step into a larger role and continue to guide the offense in a similar fashion to Kelly, albeit with his own spin on things.

Another name that has been floated as a possible candidate is Joe Brady, the former offensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers. Brady helped orchestrate one of the most dominant offenses in college football history during LSU’s national championship run in 2019. Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks, Brady could be an ideal fit for Ohio State. His experience with elite talent at LSU, particularly with Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, could translate well to the talent-rich environment at Ohio State.

Additionally, Ohio State could look to the NFL ranks to find a replacement for Kelly. Lincoln Riley, the head coach of the USC Trojans, has long been a name associated with elite offensive minds, and his success at Oklahoma, particularly in developing quarterbacks, has made him a prime candidate for high-profile jobs. While Riley is currently at USC, Ohio State’s powerful allure could be a factor in convincing him to return to the Big Ten and take on the challenge of leading the Buckeyes’ offense.

While these are just a few examples of potential replacements, Ohio State will likely take its time to ensure that the right candidate is chosen to lead the offense moving forward. The next offensive coordinator will inherit a roster full of talent, including elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. The key will be finding a coach who can continue to develop this talent while maintaining the high level of success that Kelly established during his time in Columbus.

Implications for the Program and Recruiting

One of the major concerns for Ohio State in the wake of Kelly’s departure will be the impact on recruiting. Kelly’s offensive system was a big selling point for many top recruits, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball. The Buckeyes were able to attract some of the best quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers in the country due to their high-powered offense, and the question now is whether this trend will continue under new leadership.

Recruits who had committed to Ohio State because of Kelly’s system may now begin to reconsider their options. This could have a significant impact on the Buckeyes’ recruiting class, particularly for the upcoming cycle. To prevent a mass exodus of recruits, Ohio State will need to move quickly in identifying a new offensive coordinator who can reassure prospective players that the program will continue to be a place where they can thrive offensively.

Additionally, Ohio State’s existing roster will have to adjust to a new coaching philosophy. Many players, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball, will need to buy into a new system and style of play. While Ohio State is known for its talented roster, changes in coaching staff can lead to growing pains, particularly in the early stages.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ohio State Football

Despite the shock of Kelly’s departure, Ohio State remains one of the top programs in college football. The Buckeyes have a rich tradition of success, and the foundation built under Kelly’s leadership will not disappear overnight. However, the loss of such a prominent figure does raise questions about how the team will evolve in the coming seasons. The key will be how Ohio State handles the transition and whether the new offensive coordinator can keep the Buckeyes at the forefront of college football.

For Chip Kelly, this move represents the next step in his career, and the opportunity to return to the NFL is a dream come true for him. While Ohio State fans will undoubtedly feel his absence, they can take comfort in knowing that Kelly’s time in Columbus was marked by significant success and that the program is well-positioned to continue competing at a high level in the years to come.

In the end, this move highlights the ever-changing nature of college football, where coaching staffs are in constant flux, and even the most successful programs must be prepared for the unexpected. The Buckeyes now face the challenge of replacing Kelly with someone who can carry the torch and continue to drive the offense forward. The search for the next offensive coordinator is on, and Ohio State will be looking for a coach who can bring fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and, most importantly, continued success.