UCLA Football: Chip Kelly Surprises Fans by Leaving Bruins for Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Role

Purnima Sharma February 10, 2024

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Chip Kelly, the head coach of UCLA Bruins football, has announced his departure after a lackluster six-year stint. He will be joining Ohio State as their new offensive coordinator, marking a surprising turn of events for the Bruins.

Table of Contents

Chip Kelly’s Departure from UCLA

Many followers of UCLA football, including those at AllBruins.com, speculated about Kelly’s future at the helm of the team. However, his decision to leave caught many off guard, as it was expected that he would continue coaching at UCLA until the university made a change in leadership.

Chip Kelly Background and Past Success

Chip Kelly, aged 60, achieved significant success during his time with the Oregon Ducks from 2009 to 2012. Coaching the Ducks to a remarkable 33-3 overall record and securing four consecutive bowl game appearances, including two Rose Bowl games, Kelly established himself as a formidable coach in the Pac-12 conference.

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Challenges at UCLA

In contrast to his successful tenure at Oregon, Chip Kelly time at UCLA was marked by challenges and inconsistencies. Despite leading the Bruins to three bowl games in six seasons, UCLA never achieved a record better than 9-4. The 2022 season, led by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, ended disappointingly with a Sun Bowl loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Following Thompson-Robinson’s departure in 2023, Kelly faced difficulties in selecting a starting quarterback for the team. Throughout the season, he alternated between junior Ethan Garbers and freshman Dante Moore, who later transferred to Oregon. Despite these challenges, UCLA managed to finish the season with an 8-5 record, concluding with a decisive victory against Boise State in the LA Bowl.

Conclusion
Chip Kelly’s departure from UCLA to join Ohio State as their offensive coordinator marks a significant transition in his coaching career. While his time with the Bruins was marked by ups and downs, Kelly’s move to Ohio State opens up new opportunities for both himself and the UCLA football program. As fans await the appointment of a new head coach, they reflect on Kelly’s tenure and anticipate the future direction of UCLA football.