Chip Kelly on Dan Lanning, Oregon, and His New Role at Ohio State

Chip Kelly, the former head coach of the Oregon Ducks and current offensive coordinator for Ohio State, has shared insightful comments about his past and present roles in college football. In a recent conversation with CBS Sports‘ Dennis Dodd, Kelly discussed the differences in coaching responsibilities, particularly highlighting the financial aspects of the job. Kelly agreed with Arkansas‘s Sam Pittman that many FBS head coaches spend a significant amount of time “begging people for money,” but he believes this does not apply to Dan Lanning at Oregon due to the university’s strong financial backing from Nike and wealthy donors.

Kelly’s tenure at Oregon from 2009 to 2012 was marked by significant success, including a 46-7 overall record and appearances in major bowl games. Although he did not win a national championship, Kelly led the Ducks to a No. 2 finish in the 2010 season and a close loss to Auburn in the 2011 BCS championship game. His innovative no-huddle, high-tempo offense transformed the team and had a lasting impact on college football.

After leaving Oregon for the NFL in 2013, Kelly had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers before returning to college football as the head coach at UCLA. However, he made a surprising move by leaving UCLA to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. This decision reflects Kelly’s preference for a simpler life, focusing more on play-calling and less on the administrative and fundraising duties associated with being a head coach.

Kelly’s return to his former stomping grounds is set to be highlighted this weekend as Ohio State, where he is now the offensive coordinator, faces off against Oregon in a top-three matchup. This game marks a significant test for both teams, with Kelly’s familiarity with Oregon potentially offering valuable insights for the Buckeyes.

Under Kelly’s guidance, Ohio State’s offense has been thriving, averaging 46 points per game, the highest since 2019. The team’s success is attributed to Kelly’s play-calling and the contributions of players like transfer quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.