Chip Kelly: "Autzen stadium at that time of day is truly special."
Former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly met with media on Tuesday in Columbus. The current Ohio State OC talked about this return to Oregon and Eugene as a Buckeye.
Chip had some very positive things to say about his experiences at Oregon and this Oregon team under Dan Lanning.
He spoke for about 30 minutes but here are his top responses from the Q&A and the video posted below.
————————————————————————————————————–
On Returning to Oregon: (Asked about building program)
“Well I didn’t build the program. Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti built the program. I just kind of jumped in after Mike. But it’s a special place. And it’s a great chance for our players to play in one of the special places in college football. They came out here a couple years ago and got to play in the Shoe. We get to go play at Autzen stadium. Autzen stadium at that time of day, it’s truly special. Our guys are excited. I have family there so I’ll get a chance to see them. Some of the coaches I’ve coached with, we’ve exchanged text messages.”
On the Oregon Defense:
“I think the way Jordan Burch right now is playing up front. They’ve got a lot of seniors on their defense, I think there’s 9 of them in that starting lineup. Everybody in that back end and linebackers. Bassa seems like he’s been there for a long time. And then Boettcher, I hope I’m pronouncing it right, he’s a really good player, baseball player, he’s playing really well and he seems like he’s the heart and soul of that defense. And then they have veterans in the defense. We’ve gotta be ready for everything they’re going to throw at you.”
Top 10
- 1
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 2
Dan Lanning
Oregon coach getting NFL buzz
- 3Trending
UK upsets Duke
Mark Pope leads Kentucky to first Champions Classic win since 2019
- 4Hot
5-star flip
Ole Miss flips Alabama WR commit Caleb Cunningham
- 5
Second CFP Top 25
Newest CFP rankings are out
On Jordan Burch:
“His athletic ability for such a big player. He’s listed at 6-5, 290 and plays defensive end. Most guys that big are on the interior of the defensive line. So he is just a really athletic guy and he had a huge game against Michigan State Friday night. He’s really starting to embrace that role that Tosh and Dan have put him in. You gotta know where he is on every play.”
On Recruiting at Oregon:
“I think it’s a different era now so I don’t think you can compare when I was there in 2012 and 2024. You might as well have been in a horse and buggy then. The entire rules have changed. I don’t even know if that’s applicable.”
What he expects from Oregon:
“They’re going to be sound. They’re going to move their front. They’re going to be sticky in their coverage. Their linebackers are really well coached.”
Excited to go back there?: (to Oregon)
“Both places are really special. I am. I loved my time at Oregon. And I met so many great people. Phil and Penny Knight, the Kilkenny’s, Ed Maletas, and so many people that care deeply about the university.”
Video: Chip Starts around the 34:30 mark.