Ohio State Doesn’t Need to RUSH to Replace Chip Kelly | Ohio State Buckeyes Podcast

As the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to build towards the 2025 football season, one question has dominated discussions among fans and analysts alike: How will Ohio State respond to the changes within its coaching staff, particularly in the context of offensive strategy and leadership? One notable name that has emerged in these conversations is Chip Kelly, who, while not currently associated with Ohio State, has had a significant impact on modern college football. In the context of Ohio State’s future, there’s a temptation to think that the Buckeyes need to find an immediate replacement for the offensive ingenuity Chip Kelly is often known for.

However, there is a strong case to be made that Ohio State doesn’t need to rush to replace Kelly’s influence in their offensive system. Ohio State, with its long history of success, has established an identity under Ryan Day that integrates much of the high-paced, creative offensive style Kelly pioneered, while blending it with modern, sustainable football strategies. And while Kelly’s offensive system is still regarded as revolutionary, Ohio State’s offensive prowess and innovation don’t depend on adopting that exact formula, nor do they need to scramble to replace him right away. Let’s delve into why Ohio State should take its time when it comes to replacing the type of offensive mindset that Chip Kelly represents and how Ryan Day’s program is already in a strong position for sustained success.

Ryan Day and Ohio State’s Offensive Identity

Ohio State’s current offensive system is one of the most potent in the country, and it has flourished under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day. While Day’s style certainly draws from Kelly’s early innovations, particularly in terms of tempo and passing concepts, it also includes his unique adaptations and evolutions that have positioned Ohio State as one of the premier offensive programs in college football today.

When Day arrived in 2017 as the offensive coordinator, he inherited a unit that was already performing well under former coach Urban Meyer, but Day immediately elevated it with his own flair. The Buckeyes have consistently ranked near the top in several offensive categories, including points per game, total yards, and passing efficiency. A significant part of Ohio State’s success on offense comes from Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop quarterbacks, and adjust to evolving trends in college football.

Day’s offense has always been dynamic, emphasizing an uptempo, spread-based attack that takes advantage of explosive playmakers. This has been a key differentiator for Ohio State, and it’s why the Buckeyes have been so successful at putting up points in high-pressure games. The foundation Day has built over the years involves elements that overlap with Kelly’s philosophies but with a fresh and contemporary twist that perfectly suits Ohio State’s identity.

The idea of “rushing” to adopt a Chip Kelly-type offense or to replace his innovation seems unnecessary when Ohio State’s current offensive scheme is already producing elite-level results. Day’s ability to blend the pace of play, creativity, and versatility into a system that plays to his players’ strengths has proven to be highly effective. And with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, followed by the next generation of quarterbacks coming through, the Buckeyes have a solid pipeline for success.

Ohio State’s Recruiting and Quarterback Development

A major aspect of Ohio State’s offensive success lies in its quarterback development. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, Ohio State has consistently produced high-caliber quarterbacks who excel in both pocket passing and executing dynamic, versatile offenses. Day’s ability to adapt his offensive philosophy to fit the skill set of his quarterbacks is one of his biggest strengths. With elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud flourishing in his system, it’s clear that Day has a proven formula for success.

C.J. Stroud, who helped lead the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance, is a prime example of how Day develops quarterbacks in a system that demands both mental and physical precision. Day’s offense maximizes Stroud’s natural ability as a pocket passer while also creating opportunities for him to showcase his skills on the move when necessary. The future looks bright with up-and-coming quarterbacks like Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, both of whom are expected to step into the limelight in the coming seasons.

These quarterbacks, combined with Ohio State’s continued ability to recruit dynamic playmakers—like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka—ensure that the Buckeyes will continue to feature an explosive offense well into the future. There’s little doubt that the next wave of talent at Ohio State will further solidify the program’s place as one of the nation’s top offenses, regardless of whether the Buckeyes specifically emulate Chip Kelly’s style or adopt a completely different approach.

Sustained Success and the Lack of Urgency

It’s also important to remember that Ohio State has consistently been in the mix for the College Football Playoff. They are a program that recruits at an elite level, develops talent across the board, and stays competitive in the Big Ten Conference and national conversations year after year. This consistent success means that Ohio State doesn’t necessarily need to make drastic changes to their offensive philosophy—at least not in the short term.

Rather than rush into any sort of wholesale change or a quest for a Chip Kelly-like offensive mind, the Buckeyes can take their time in evaluating the future of their offensive approach. With the incoming talent and coaching stability in place, Ohio State’s system doesn’t need to be drastically altered. Ryan Day’s philosophy is already rooted in innovation, and his system is adaptable enough to evolve as college football continues to change.

Additionally, Ohio State’s brand of football emphasizes a balanced attack. While it is known for an explosive passing game, Ohio State also maintains a strong ground game, which is often the hallmark of championship teams. With running backs like Travion Henderson and a continually improving offensive line, Ohio State remains a dual-threat offense that can beat opponents in multiple ways. The fact that the Buckeyes are equally capable of running the ball as they are of throwing it only adds to the sense that Ohio State doesn’t need to rush to imitate Chip Kelly’s strategies.

The Modern Evolution of Offense in College Football

One of the most important factors that Ohio State has going for it is the evolving nature of college football offenses. While Chip Kelly was one of the first coaches to truly embrace the up-tempo spread offense, many programs—including Ohio State—have now adopted these principles, blending them with other philosophies to create high-powered, multifaceted systems. Day’s offense at Ohio State is a reflection of this evolution, with a nod to Kelly’s influence but also a shift towards a more balanced and varied attack.

The increasing importance of athletic quarterbacks, as well as the proliferation of high-speed offenses, has meant that what was once cutting-edge (Kelly’s approach) has now become part of the mainstream. More schools are playing up-tempo, relying on spread concepts, and embracing the idea of utilizing dual-threat quarterbacks. Ohio State’s system is flexible enough to keep up with these trends, and while Kelly’s specific philosophy is still a valuable point of reference, the Buckeyes don’t need to reinvent the wheel to stay ahead of the competition.

In other words, Ohio State has already adjusted to the future of offense in college football, and while Chip Kelly’s strategies remain influential, the Buckeyes are more than capable of maintaining their success without rushing to replicate his exact approach. Ohio State’s unique blend of innovation, balance, and adaptation to trends has proven to be more than effective in today’s college football landscape.

Looking Toward the Future: The Long-Term Plan for Ohio State Football

The future of Ohio State football remains incredibly bright. Ryan Day’s tenure has already produced impressive results, and the program has consistently placed itself in contention for national titles. The current recruiting cycle continues to bring in top-tier talent, and the development of the Buckeyes’ offensive and defensive units is right on track.

Looking forward, the most pressing issue for Ohio State will not be replacing a figure like Chip Kelly, but rather continuing to build on the solid foundation Day has already established. Day’s ability to adapt to new trends, recruit at an elite level, and develop both quarterbacks and skill players makes Ohio State an attractive destination for any offensive coordinator. The Buckeyes are positioned to continue their championship aspirations regardless of the specific offensive approach they take.

Whether they continue to evolve their offense or bring in fresh ideas, Ohio State has the talent and resources to remain one of the top programs in the country. The key takeaway is that the Buckeyes are in a strong position to maintain success, and they don’t need to rush into any changes when their current offensive system is already operating at a high level.