Ohio State’s offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is leaving for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, joining Pete Carroll’s staff after helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Kelly becomes the third assistant coach to depart from Ryan Day’s staff since their College Football Playoff victory.
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt captured Day’s immediate reaction to Kelly’s exit during a podcast interview on Sunday.
“We talked about it, the fact if… we had a really good group here,” Day said. “The dream would be to win a national championship and then he would decide whether he wants to stay or have an opportunity to go to the NFL. And that’s exactly what happened.”
The move wasn’t unexpected. Day had discussed the possibility of Kelly’s departure when hiring him last year. Kelly joined Ohio State during a critical period, as the program faced pressure after three consecutive losses to Michigan and missing the College Football Playoff.
Under Kelly’s guidance, Ohio State won the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship, defeating Notre Dame in the title game.
Day and Kelly’s relationship spans more than 20 years, beginning when Kelly served as offensive coordinator at New Hampshire while Day played quarterback for the Wildcats.
“To be able to have a beer in a few years and talk about the year that we had together is going to be special because we all started together,” Day said. “I know so many people back home in New Hampshire are excited for him and for the story. It’s pretty special.”
Day now faces the task of filling his third coaching vacancy this offseason. He’s previously demonstrated success in recruiting top assistants, bringing in Kelly and strengthening the roster through high school recruiting and transfer portal additions.
