Chip Kelly departs Ohio State to take over as the OC for the Raiders.

Chip Kelly’s departure from Ohio State to become the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders marks a significant shift in both collegiate and professional football landscapes. This move not only reunites Kelly with the NFL but also sets the stage for potential transformations within the Raiders’ offensive strategy.

Background on Chip Kelly

Born on November 25, 1963, in Dover, New Hampshire, Charles Edward Kelly, known as Chip Kelly, has had a distinguished career in football coaching. He began his coaching journey at Columbia University in 1990, serving as the defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator. Over the years, Kelly has held various coaching positions, including offensive coordinator at the University of New Hampshire and head coach at the University of Oregon, where he gained national prominence. His innovative offensive schemes and success at Oregon led to NFL opportunities with the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. After a brief tenure in the NFL, Kelly returned to college football, serving as the head coach at UCLA and later as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.

Ohio State Tenure

In 2024, Kelly joined Ohio State as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes’ offense was instrumental in securing the national championship, averaging 35.7 points per game and finishing with a 14-2 record. His tenure at Ohio State was marked by a high-powered offense that played a crucial role in the team’s success. citeturn0news8

Transition to the Las Vegas Raiders

In early February 2025, Kelly made the decision to leave Ohio State and return to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders under newly appointed head coach Pete Carroll. This move reunites Kelly with the NFL after a brief hiatus and places him in a position to influence the Raiders’ offensive strategies significantly. Reports indicate that Kelly’s contract with the Raiders is valued at $6 million per year, making him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL. citeturn0news9

Impact on the Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have faced challenges in recent seasons, particularly in offensive performance. In the 2024 season, the team ranked 27th in yards per game and 29th in scoring, highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul. Kelly’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh offensive perspective, potentially revitalizing the team’s performance. His innovative approach, previously successful at Oregon and Ohio State, could be the catalyst for the Raiders’ offensive resurgence. citeturn0news9

Ohio State’s Response

Following Kelly’s departure, Ohio State has moved swiftly to fill the offensive coordinator position. The university has promoted wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator. Hartline, who has been with Ohio State since 2017 and served as the wide receivers coach since 2018, is expected to continue the team’s offensive success. The transition aims to maintain continuity within the program and build upon the foundation established under Kelly’s leadership. citeturn0news11

Speculation on Future Moves

With Kelly’s move to the Raiders, speculation has arisen regarding potential draft picks. Notably, quarterback Will Howard, who played under Kelly at Ohio State and contributed to the national championship victory, is considered a potential target for the Raiders in the upcoming draft. Howard’s familiarity with Kelly’s system could provide a seamless transition and bolster the Raiders’ quarterback position. citeturn0news10

Chip Kelly’s transition from Ohio State to the Las Vegas Raiders signifies a pivotal moment in both collegiate and professional football. His return to the NFL as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator is poised to influence the team’s offensive strategies and performance. As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Kelly’s impact and the potential transformations within the team.