Trading a head coaching role for an offensive coordinator gig might seem like a downgrade, but for Chip Kelly, it’s been a genius move. After parting ways with UCLA, Kelly joined Ryan Day at Ohio State in 2024, reuniting with his former Eagles quarterbacks coach. Their history made the transition seamless, and Kelly wasted no time revitalizing the Buckeyes’ offense with his trademark creativity.

Despite leaving the Bruins, Kelly’s decision to join Ohio State last winter has been nothing but rewarding. Sure, there was that rough loss to Michigan—arguably his toughest play-calling performance—but Kelly bounced back, steering the Buckeyes to a standout season. At 13-2, Ohio State didn’t just win games; they left their mark with Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl victories.

Kelly’s magic was all over the Buckeyes’ offense, from developing stars like Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith to leading the team to an impressive 7.3 average yards per play for the season. It’s clear his innovative schemes have made a huge impact, turning heads across college football.

For now, Chip Kelly looks like a winner in every sense. The real question is whether Ohio State will give him the recognition—and compensation—he’s earned for breathing new life into their championship-caliber program. Well, Kelly agreed to a three-year contract that included $2 million in base pay per year to take over as Ohio State’s OC. As of now, the former UCLA HC has a deal that runs through January 31, 2027. And according to contracts, The Athletic was able to obtain through public records requests that he would receive $2 million in his first year. Then $2.1 million in his 2nd year, and $2.2 million in his 3rd.

The compensation difference between this and what Kelly made at UCLA is still substantial. With Bruins, he earned around $5.98 million in 2023. And it was his sixth season as coach. The Bruins finished that season with an overall record of 8-5, but their conference record was only 4-5.

After going 9-4 under Kelly in 2022, UCLA had already extended his contract in March 2023. Kelly would have earned more than $6 million if he had stayed with the Bruins. But Kelly entered with a resume as a former NFL HC and an outstanding coach for Oregon, which increased his price tag even though he did not enjoy the success UCLA had hoped for during his stay.

Which aspect of Chip Kelly’s coaching career stands out the most?

Chip Kelly made amazing coaching choices at one point in his career. Kelly was rumored to stay in Oregon in early 2013, but he decided to go for the Philadelphia Eagles instead. He joined the NFL on the strength of his accomplishments and led the Eagles as head coach from 2013 to 2015.

Then he moved to the San Francisco 49ers after losing his job. However, he only stayed there for the 2016 season before losing his job once more. In 2018, following his NFL career, he made a comeback to collegiate football as coach of the UCLA Bruins. Kelly first became well-known, though, as the coach who guided the Ducks to four consecutive BCS bowl game berths.

Right now, the former head coach is focused on preparing for the national championship game against Notre Dame. Let’s see if, with two head coaches at the helm, Ohio State can win it all this season.