UCLA head coach search: Five names emerge as possible replacements for Chip Kelly

UCLA is in scramble mode to replace head football coach Chip Kelly, who resigned on Friday with plans of taking the Ohio State offensive coordinator job. A number of potential replacements have already been floated.

Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond indicated to reporters that he wants to fill the job in the next 96 hours. He also indicated the goal is to hire a coach who will be around in the long term, but will be flexible as necessary.

In reporting on Kelly’s departure, the Los Angeles Times floated five names who could be replacements in Westwood.

The potential candidates suggested by The Times are:

• Nebraska DC Tony White
• Former Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy
• Former Stanford HC David Shaw
• Former USC and Seattle Seahawks HC Pete Carroll
• Cleveland Browns TE Tommy Rees

All five have some distinct connection to the area or program.

White, for example, played linebacker for the Bruins. Bieniemy was previously the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at UCLA Shaw’s son, Carter, is on the team as a wide receiver. Carroll is the last coach to win a national championship coaching college football in Los Angeles, albeit at USC nearly two decades ago. And Rees’ father was a long time assistant coach at UCLA.

Of the five, only Carroll and Shaw have experience as high-level college head coaches. Rees and White are both younger, up-and-coming coordinators, coaching offense and defensive, respectively. And Bieniemy is a bit of a wildcard, having not coached college football for years now but failing to ascend into an NFL head coaching role.

UCLA issued a statement following Kelly’s departure

Jarmond released a statement on the matter, thanking Kelly for his time with the Bruins.

“I want to sincerely thank Chip for his service to UCLA Football and our student-athletes across the past six seasons and wish the best to him and his wife Jill moving forward,” Jarmond said in the release.

Additionally, Jarmond relayed a call-to-action for the future of the program, explaining that he’s confident the Bruins will find a worthwhile replacement for Kelly.

“It is imperative that we support our student-athletes and put them in the best position to succeed,” Jarmond said. “UCLA is a special place, and we are confident we will find a leader for our football program who develops young men on and off the field and embodies our True Bruin Values.”