Eric Boggs
Chip Kelly’s decision to leave Ohio State and return to the NFL as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator may have surprised some, but a closer look at his motivations reveals a clear and intentional move. Kelly, who played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national championship-winning season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, now reunites with longtime coaching counterpart Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. His departure underscores a deep-seated desire to focus on what he truly loves: coaching football.
Kelly’s return to the NFL comes just a year after he stepped away from a head coaching role at UCLA to take the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State. At the time, it was an unconventional move—one that saw him trade autonomy for a more focused role under Ryan Day, a coach he had mentored and worked with in the past. Reflecting on that decision, Kelly emphasized how much he missed the hands-on aspect of coaching.
During UCLA’s 2023 bowl preparation, Kelly temporarily took over quarterback coaching duties after the departure of the team’s quarterbacks coach. That brief return to direct player development reignited his passion for the craft. Even his wife noticed a newfound enthusiasm, remarking that she hadn’t seen him so happy in a long time. That realization ultimately influenced his move to Columbus, where he embraced a role free from the increasingly administrative nature of being a college head coach—a role that had been further complicated by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal.
Kelly’s time with the Buckeyes was marked by immediate success. His offensive schemes helped Ohio State secure a national championship, culminating in a memorable title game where his bold play-calling sealed the victory over Notre Dame. His impact was undeniable, and the Buckeyes’ offense thrived under his leadership. However, when the opportunity arose to return to the NFL, it became clear that he was ready to make the transition once again.
The move to Las Vegas was not just about returning to professional football—it was about finding the right alignment. Kelly noted that he would only take an NFL job where he felt confident in the organizational structure, from ownership to personnel to the head coach. His conversations with Carroll, who was recently hired to lead the Raiders, assured him that this was the right fit. Carroll’s coaching philosophy and leadership style aligned with Kelly’s, providing an environment where he could focus entirely on the X’s and O’s of the game without the distractions inherent in a college head coaching role.
Kelly’s exit is part of a broader coaching shake-up at Ohio State, as defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and offensive line coach Justin Frye also departed this offseason. His legacy with the Buckeyes, though brief, remains significant. He helped elevate the program to the pinnacle of college football while reaffirming his love for the game in its purest form—coaching players and designing offenses.
For the Raiders, Kelly’s arrival marks a significant step in revitalizing their offense. With young playmakers like Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, the team is looking for an offensive mind capable of maximizing its potential. Kelly’s experience as both a head coach and a coordinator, combined with his deep understanding of modern offensive strategies, makes him an ideal fit for a franchise eager to compete in a challenging AFC West.
Ultimately, Kelly’s decision to leave Ohio State reflects a return to his roots. His passion for coaching players and crafting game plans led him away from the increasingly corporate nature of college football and back to the NFL, where his focus will be solely on football. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Raiders, his legacy at Ohio State remains intact—a coach who arrived at the perfect time, helped deliver a championship, and then followed his true calling back to the professional ranks.
