Todd Blackledge reacts to ‘shockwaves’ sent by Chip Kelly at Ohio State

Usually, when a head coach takes an offensive coordinator job, it means they were fired. Chip Kelly is different, though, voluntarily leaving UCLA to work under Ryan Day at Ohio State. A move we have not seen in college football, especially between two programs set to be in the same conference this season.

CBS’ Todd Blackledge believes the move from Kelly sent “shockwaves” throughout the sport. Because in today’s world, certain financial commitments are required to have a good football program. Kelly openly leaving UCLA may have called the Bruins administration out a bit, saying they were not ready to compete in the Big Ten.

“Him leaving UCLA, while probably not a shock, it still is something that, to me, sends shockwaves through college football,” Blackledge said. “He’s a head coach at UCLA. UCLA is going into the Big Ten. Part of that to me is him saying ‘People here are not ready to play or pay to be a big-time football program the way we need to be going into this league.’

“And he wants to coach ball, I get that too. I think it was a combination of both things that kind of spurred him to make the decision he did.”

Blackledge is right about Kelly wanting to coach ball. Part of the reason he left Oregon for the NFL was to strictly be a football coach and not have to worry about recruiting. Being an offensive coach is what Kelly’s good at and Ohio State gives him an opportunity to do so.

Mix in the relationship he has with Day and the Buckeyes could shape up to be a pretty fun team to watch in 2024.

“I really am looking forward to watching Ohio State with Chip there,” Blackledge said. “He and Ryan Day have such a history together and so much respect for each other. Chip is a great offensive mind in the running game and the passing game. So, I think it’s going to be really interesting to see.”

The quarterback decision has not yet been made, with Devin Brown and Will Howard battling it out. But whoever emerges will have some of the best talent surrounding him.

Ohio State’s goal is to get back into the College Football Playoff and win another national championship after a near-decade drought. Kelly’s coaching could help be the difference, while UCLA begins to adjust to life in the Big Ten.