College football is transforming fast before the 2024 season, and one of the major changes is Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day’s decision to step back from play-calling duties and hand over the reins to the newly appointed offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.

While most fans still don’t know exactly what to feel about this, Ryan Day did share his POV regarding the change. So will this be a good decision for the Buckeyes, or will it hinder their performance in the upcoming matches? Let’s see what the HC has to say.

Ryan Day’s strategic plan for play-calling

In a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show on July 8th, Joel Klatt asked Ryan Day whether fans would notice a tangible difference with Chip Kelly calling plays instead of Day. “I think so. I don’t think it will look drastically different; maybe you will see schematically some different things. Chip’s history of running the ball speaks for itself, and we’ve got some good running backs, and you know he’s creative at what he does,” Day explained. This statement suggests that while the core principles of Ohio State’s offense will stay intact, Kelly’s unique approach will bring new dynamics to their playbook.

Ryan Day emphasized the importance of consistency, noting that his collaboration with Kelly dates back to their time together in New Hampshire and later with the Philadelphia Eagles. “We got some fundamentals down, focused on some techniques, and now I think for the next couple of months we really gonna dig into what this install looks like,” Day added, highlighting the collaborative effort in refining their offensive strategy.

Many see this strategic shift as Day’s move to adopt a more CEO-like role, allowing him to focus on broader aspects of the program, such as game planning, recruiting, and overall team management. According to Fox Sports, the need to address the Buckeyes’ recent struggles also influenced Day’s decision, including their losses to Michigan and their failure to secure a Big Ten championship.

By stepping back from play-calling, Day can leverage Kelly’s expertise while ensuring the team’s overall strategy is cohesive and well-executed. However, some fans might wonder why Chip Kelly? Is Chip capable of meeting Day’s and the fans’ expectations? Well, let’s see.

Kelly’s impact and expectations from him

Chip Kelly’s appointment as the offensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive approach to the game, which has both excited and raised questions among the Buckeye community. Known for his innovative and fast-paced offensive schemes, a strong emphasis has marked Kelly’s history as a head coach at UCLA and in the NFL on running the ball and creative play calling. At UCLA, Kelly transformed the Bruins’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in college football. His ability to adapt and innovate has been a hallmark of his coaching career. For Ohio State, this means integrating some of Kelly’s successful strategies into their playbook while maintaining the core principles that have made the Buckeyes a powerhouse.

One significant expectation is Kelly’s ability to revitalize Ohio State’s running game. During his tenure at UCLA, Kelly’s offenses consistently ranked among the top in rushing yards, showcasing his ability to design effective ground attacks. This aligns well with Ohio State’s roster, which features talented running backs like TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, both of whom stand to benefit from Kelly’s creative play-calling.

Many analysts view the decision to hire Kelly as a home run. On the Eleven Warriors show, Dan Hope mentioned, “Ryan Day’s offensive philosophy was shaped by Chip Kelly.” Having the connection from way back in New Hampshire when Day used to play under Kelly would aid in a smooth flow of Day’s play-calling change. Furthermore, it was noted by the Eleven Warriors that “O’Brien was a good initial hire for Ohio State; we think Kelly could be an even better choice to lead Ohio State’s offense.” This move is expected to bring a new level to the Buckeyes offense, possibly making it more difficult for opponents to predict and counter. ​