Chip Kelly Set to Return to the Big Ten With Northwestern Offensive Overhaul
There’s some big coaching news making the rounds right now, and it involves one of college football’s most recognizable offensive minds. Chip Kelly is expected to be hired as Northwestern’s next offensive coordinator, marking another chapter in a long and winding coaching career that has spanned both college football and the NFL. According to multiple reports, the move is close to being finalized, and if it goes through, Kelly will once again be calling plays in the Big Ten.
Kelly’s return to college football feels familiar, but it also comes with an interesting twist. Just a year ago, he was the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, where the Buckeyes went on to win the national championship. That success was enough to open the door back to the NFL, and he was soon hired as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, that stint didn’t last long, as he was let go in November following a rough 2–9 start to the season. Despite that setback, Kelly’s résumé still carries significant weight, especially at the college level.
Also Read:- Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Set to Challenge Road Conditions in Eastern Quebec
- Ashton Turner’s Unlucky 99 Sparks Perth’s Big Bash Revival
Most fans still remember Kelly best for what he accomplished at Oregon. After building his reputation as an innovative offensive coordinator, he took over as head coach in 2009 and completely changed the program’s identity. In four seasons, a 46–7 record was posted, along with three conference championships, a Rose Bowl win, and an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game. His success led to head coaching jobs in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and later the San Francisco 49ers, where an overall pro record of 38–35 was compiled.
After returning to college football in 2018 as UCLA’s head coach, Kelly spent six seasons there, guiding the Bruins to three bowl games and finishing with a 35–34 record. When his time at UCLA ended, he transitioned back into a coordinator role at Ohio State before briefly heading to the Raiders. Now, it appears his next stop will be Evanston.
For Northwestern, this potential hire comes at a critical time. The Wildcats finished last season 7–6 and capped it with a convincing bowl win, but offensively, there was plenty of room for improvement. The team ranked near the bottom nationally in total offense and scoring, numbers that ultimately led head coach David Braun to make changes on his staff. Former offensive coordinator Zach Lujan was among those moved on.
Kelly is now being brought in with the hope that his experience and aggressive offensive philosophy can spark real change. With Northwestern preparing to open its new stadium and aiming to become more competitive in the Big Ten, the expectation is that a proven play-caller could make a noticeable difference. If Kelly’s system clicks, this move could end up being one of the most impactful coaching additions in the conference heading into the next season.
Read More:
0 Comments