Chip Kelly Joins the Call for Student-Athlete Revenue, Continuing the Advocacy Wave of Coach Jim Harbaugh

The world of football is always in transition. UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly has put forth a transformative vision for college sports, particularly football, advocating for a breakaway model akin to Notre Dame’s independence. 

Key elements of his proposal include revenue sharing with student-athletes, emphasizing their pivotal role in the sport, and aligning with evolving discussions on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). On his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, he reiterated the agenda which was previously highlighted by No. 1 Michigan Wolverines head coach, Jim Harbaugh. 

Chip Kelly supports Student-Athlete Revenue models

Kelly recently suggested a unified TV contract for all 132 football teams, promoting fairness and ensuring collective revenue benefits athletes. He envisions dividing the current “Power Five” and “Group of Five” into two distinct conferences, preserving regional traditions while fostering a national approach to college football. In essence, Kelly’s vision aims to empower athletes, champion fairness, and redefine the collegiate football landscape. He further extended his support for student-athlete revenue modes that benefited not only the universities but also the young athletes. 

He seconds the NCAA’s decision to allow student-athletes to sign endorsement deals and hire agents starting in 2023. He also said that he hopes that the new rules will create a level playing field for all schools and conferences and firmly believes that student-athletes deserve to be compensated for their hard work and talent. He was, however, not the first head coach to identify the benefits of such a revenue model. Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh had voiced a similar outlook only recently. 

Jim Harbaugh voices support for pro-student-athlete programs 

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has always been a strong voice advocating for a fair and inclusive system in college football, urging student-athletes to benefit from the lucrative television deals that generate billions of dollars for the sport. Harbaugh emphasized the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, asserting that excluding athletes from revenue sharing contradicts these values. “Don’t exclude the student-athletes from the profits. My opinion, you can’t say you’re about diversity, equity and inclusion, if you aren’t willing to include the student-athletes in revenue sharing,” opined Harbaugh. 

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He has been vocal about revenue sharing since 2020 and continues to push for change, believing the NCAA must evolve and address the current unsustainable status quo. Harbaugh contends that compensating athletes for their contributions is essential to ensuring a more equitable system.  “In my opinion, we capitalize on the talent, we should pay the talent for their contributions to the bottom line,” said Harbaugh in conclusion.  

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