Texans, Jaguars, and Bucs all reportedly interested in Ohio State’s Chip Kelly for offensive coordinator positions.

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, offensive innovation remains a top priority for teams seeking success in the high-scoring, fast-paced nature of the modern game. As offensive schemes continue to become more creative, the need for a capable offensive coordinator has never been greater. For the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, that need has led them to turn their attention toward one of college football’s brightest offensive minds—Ohio State’s Chip Kelly.

While Chip Kelly is best known for his revolutionary work as the head coach at Oregon, where his high-tempo offense took college football by storm, his time as the offensive coordinator for Ohio State has also solidified his reputation as one of the most forward-thinking minds in the sport. Known for his ability to mold his offense around the strengths of his players, Kelly’s ability to adapt and create explosive units has caught the attention of several NFL teams. As rumors swirl around the NFL coaching landscape, it has been reported that the Texans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers are all interested in bringing Kelly on board as their next offensive coordinator.

Chip Kelly’s Influence at Ohio State

After taking over as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly’s impact was immediate. Though the Buckeyes were already an offensive powerhouse, Kelly brought a unique brand of football that meshed perfectly with the program’s existing talent. Known for his up-tempo, no-huddle offense, Kelly’s philosophy revolves around quick decision-making, fast-paced play, and spreading the field to create mismatches. He emphasizes getting players into space, creating explosive plays, and keeping the defense off-balance by constantly pushing the tempo.

Kelly’s style is a departure from the more traditional offensive schemes that had been prevalent at Ohio State in previous years, but the results speak for themselves. Under his leadership, Ohio State’s offense flourished, particularly in its ability to move the ball down the field quickly. His system fit seamlessly with the Buckeyes’ roster, which included a talented quarterback in C.J. Stroud and an explosive group of wide receivers. The offensive unit quickly became one of the most potent in the country, and Kelly’s impact was evident both in terms of player development and on-field production.

Ohio State’s offensive success under Kelly has caught the attention of many in the NFL. His ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his personnel has led to a high level of success, with the Buckeyes consistently ranking among the top teams in the country in total offense, scoring, and passing efficiency. Kelly’s influence has extended beyond his time at Ohio State, with his success in the NFL—first as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the San Francisco 49ers—giving him a reputation as a coach who understands how to translate college success to the professional level.

The Interest from the NFL: Texans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers

With Chip Kelly’s proven track record as a coordinator, as well as his previous NFL coaching experience, it is no surprise that multiple NFL teams have expressed interest in bringing him back to the league. As the Texans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers search for new offensive minds to elevate their struggling offenses, Kelly’s name has surfaced as a potential solution. Let’s take a closer look at each team’s situation and why Kelly could be an attractive option for their offensive coordinator role.

Houston Texans: Seeking Offensive Identity

The Houston Texans are in the midst of a rebuild, and one of the most important steps in that process is establishing a clear offensive identity. After parting ways with head coach Lovie Smith and entering the 2023 season with a new regime, the Texans have struggled to find consistency on offense. Quarterback play has been a major area of concern, and Houston has not been able to develop a potent offensive system to maximize the talent on the roster.

What the Texans need is an offensive coordinator who can create a system that works for the personnel on hand—one that can get the most out of a young quarterback and establish a consistent, dynamic attack. Chip Kelly fits that bill perfectly. Kelly has worked with young quarterbacks throughout his career, most notably with Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Nick Foles. His offensive scheme would give a young quarterback, such as Houston’s 2023 rookie selection C.J. Stroud, the opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, quarterback-friendly system that plays to his strengths.

The Texans have also been struggling to develop their skill positions and create explosive plays down the field. Kelly’s system, which utilizes a spread offense and puts pressure on opposing defenses with up-tempo play calling, could be just what the team needs to revitalize their offense. If the Texans were able to secure Kelly as their offensive coordinator, they would have an opportunity to start fresh with a proven offensive mind leading the charge, allowing their young quarterback to develop in a system built around speed, space, and rhythm.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Continuing Offensive Growth Under Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars are another team that could greatly benefit from Chip Kelly’s offensive expertise. Under head coach Doug Pederson, the Jaguars have seen significant growth, particularly with young quarterback Trevor Lawrence. After struggling during his rookie season, Lawrence came into his own in 2023, leading the Jaguars to the playoffs and showcasing his potential as one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league. However, to take the next step as a franchise, the Jaguars need to continue developing Lawrence and the offense around him.

Kelly’s high-tempo system could be a perfect fit for Lawrence, who has shown an ability to thrive when allowed to make quick, decisive plays in a rhythm-based offense. Kelly’s style would also complement the Jaguars’ deep receiving corps, which includes standout players like Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. The ability to spread the field, create mismatches, and move the ball quickly could be key to unlocking the full potential of the Jacksonville offense.

Another factor in Kelly’s appeal to the Jaguars is his ability to adapt his offense to the skill sets of his players. Whether it’s utilizing an athletic quarterback in a read-option system or designing plays to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space, Kelly’s versatility as an offensive coordinator would allow him to build an offense around Trevor Lawrence’s strengths. If Jacksonville is serious about making a run at the playoffs and continuing its growth as a franchise, adding Chip Kelly to the coaching staff would provide an additional boost to their already promising offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Searching for a New Offensive Identity

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a similar situation to the Texans, with their own set of offensive struggles. After Tom Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers were left in search of a new identity on offense. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the offense has lacked the explosiveness it had during Brady’s tenure. Tampa Bay is now looking for a way to restore balance to the offense while finding ways to develop their young talent at the quarterback position.

Chip Kelly could offer the Buccaneers exactly what they need: a high-energy, up-tempo offense that can create big plays and make use of the team’s skill players. While the Buccaneers are still figuring out their long-term solution at quarterback, Kelly’s system would be an attractive option because it is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different quarterbacks. Whether the team ultimately chooses to stick with veteran Baker Mayfield or drafts a young quarterback, Kelly’s ability to create an offense that plays to the quarterback’s strengths could help the Buccaneers quickly regain their offensive identity.

In addition to his quarterback development skills, Kelly’s offense would allow the Buccaneers to utilize their talented receiving corps, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie tight end Cade Otton. By spreading the field and utilizing quick-hitting passing plays, Kelly’s system could generate more explosive opportunities in the passing game while opening up the running lanes for a solid backfield.

Kelly’s Potential Fit in the NFL: What He Brings to the Table

Chip Kelly’s offensive philosophy is built around tempo, versatility, and innovation. His experience in both college football and the NFL makes him a unique candidate for these teams, as he understands how to balance the demands of a high-paced offense while also adapting to the constraints of professional football. His ability to assess his players and design a system that suits their strengths is one of his greatest assets, making him an ideal fit for teams looking to rebuild or revitalize their offensive units.

In addition to his tactical brilliance, Kelly is known for his ability to develop young players and create a culture of competitiveness. His work with quarterbacks, in particular, is notable; under his guidance, quarterbacks have often exceeded expectations and been able to thrive in his fast-paced system. For teams like the Texans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers—each of which has young or developing quarterbacks—Kelly’s expertise could prove invaluable in helping those players reach their potential.

While Kelly’s time as a head coach in the NFL did not culminate in long-term success, his tenure as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State shows that he is more than capable of making a significant impact. His ability to adjust to the needs of the modern game and push the envelope with offensive schemes makes him a coveted figure in the NFL coaching market.