Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly finds new home

In a world where things never cease to amaze, this news comes as quite a head-scratcher. Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has been hired as the new offensive coordinator at Northwestern.

Wildcat head coach David Braun made the surprise move after it was revealed that current Northwestern offensive coordinator Zach Lujan would not be retained as his contract expires at the end of the season. Lujan previously led South Dakota State in the same role that led to back-to-back FCS titles.

Advertisement

Kelly brings a wealth of experience to Evanston, having been a former head coach at both Oregon and UCLA, as well as twice in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Of course, Buckeye fans will remember him best for his run as OC with Ohio State that led to the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship.

You have to wonder if there was a conversation between Kelly and Ryan Day now that Brian Hartline is departing for South Florida. There was a thought of bringing Kelly back after he was fired as the Las Vegas Raiders' offensive coordinator earlier this year. Maybe it would've worked out, or maybe Kelly is still looking for NFL success. Day most likely doesn't love the thought of looking for a new OC each year, which would be a real possibility if he brought Chip back once again.

Good for Northwestern. Kelly is a creative mastermind at drawing up plays. The question is, will he have the athletes to do the kinds of things he wants to do? The Buckeyes will find out soon enough as they welcome Kelly and the Wildcats to Columbus next year.

Advertisement

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Ohio State coordinator Chip Kelly finds new home in Big Ten