Chip Kelly departs as UCLA football coach to replace Bill O'Brien as OC in Ohio St.

Chip Kelly departing as the UCLA football coach to replace Bill O'Brien as Offensive Coordinator (OC) in Ohio State has taken many by surprise. However, this move could be a game-changer for both programs involved.

Firstly, let's consider Chip Kelly's track record. He revolutionized the game during his time at Oregon, implementing an up-tempo offense that left opponents gasping for air. His innovative approach led to great success, including four consecutive BCS bowl appearances and a national championship appearance. With his proven ability to develop high-powered offenses, it's no wonder Ohio State would want him on their coaching staff.

Kelly replaces Bill O'Brien, who was named coach at Boston College earlier Friday. Ohio State had hired O'Brien in mid-January as part of coach Ryan Day's move to no longer call plays and to run the program more holistically.

UCLA, sources told ESPN.

The Bruins started slow under Kelly, posting a combined 10-21 record through his first three years, before breaking through with eight wins and a bowl bid in 2021. The Bruins did not play in the Holiday Bowl against North Carolina State that season due to COVID-19 positives in the team. UCLA won nine games in 2022, including an appearance in the Sun Bowl, and finished No. 21 in the US LBM AFCA Coaches Poll.

But even with the recent success, the program never reached or even approached the heights of Kelly's previous stint at Oregon and stumbled this past season.

UCLA also has a miserably tough schedule next year and enters the season without a stellar recruiting class. The Bruins' 2024 recruiting class ranks just 83rd in the country and when you count transfers along with recruits, UCLA only moves up to 69th in Rivals' rankings.

Oregon and at Penn State. UCLA also hosts Iowa and heads to Washington in November before home games against USC and Fresno State.

Kelly has long been regarded as a gifted playcaller, having served as a longtime offensive coordinator and innovator at New Hampshire and Oregon. As Kelly moved on to become the head coach at Oregon and then in the NFL, he remained the playcaller, and along the way his offenses shifted from breakneck tempo to a more deliberate NFL style.

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 Sarah H

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