Ohio State Football in Turmoil as Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly Departs for the Raiders Amidst Coaching Staff Exodus

Ohio State football is facing a period of major transition after a series of unexpected coaching changes rocked the program. The latest blow comes with the departure of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who has accepted a lucrative offer to join the Las Vegas Raiders under newly hired head coach Pete Carroll. Kelly’s exit marks the third high-profile coaching departure for the Buckeyes this offseason, raising concerns about the team’s stability heading into the 2025 season.

Chip Kelly Heads to the NFL

After just one season as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly is making his way back to the professional ranks. The experienced play-caller, who previously served as head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, is set to earn $6 million per year with the Raiders. His decision to leave Columbus comes as a surprise, especially given his strong ties to head coach Ryan Day, with whom he shares a long-standing professional relationship.

Kelly was brought in to revamp Ohio State’s offense following the departure of Brian Hartline from play-calling duties. His innovative approach was expected to maximize the potential of the Buckeyes’ offensive weapons, but now the program is left scrambling to find a replacement just months before the season kicks off.

Coaching Staff Exodus Creates Instability

Kelly’s departure is just one piece of a broader upheaval within Ohio State’s coaching staff. Earlier this offseason, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left to take the same position at Penn State, while offensive line coach Justin Frye departed for an NFL opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals. These losses create a significant void in leadership, forcing Ryan Day to rebuild his staff while preparing for a crucial season.

Knowles’ exit is particularly concerning given the improvements Ohio State’s defense showed under his leadership. The Buckeyes were among the top defensive units in the country last season, and his absence could mean a step back in that department. Meanwhile, Frye’s move to the NFL also stings, as he played a key role in developing Ohio State’s offensive line, a crucial component of the team’s success.

The departures raise questions about why so many coaches are leaving the program at once. While some transitions are natural in college football, losing three key staff members in such a short period suggests there may be deeper concerns behind the scenes. Whether it’s a matter of internal conflicts, better opportunities elsewhere, or uncertainty about Ohio State’s future, the program must now work quickly to stabilize its leadership structure.

Ryan Day’s Future and Leadership Under Scrutiny

With all the changes happening within the program, head coach Ryan Day is under more pressure than ever. Despite these challenges, Ohio State recently reaffirmed its commitment to Day by signing him to a contract extension that runs through 2031, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football at $12.5 million per year.

While the contract extension signals confidence in Day’s ability to lead the Buckeyes, some fans and analysts remain skeptical. Ohio State has fallen short of its ultimate goal—winning a national championship—under Day’s tenure. The team has also struggled against arch-rival Michigan in recent years, adding to frustrations within the fanbase. With these latest coaching departures, Day must prove he can keep the program on the right path despite the turmoil.

Significant Roster Changes Add to Challenges

In addition to the coaching shake-ups, Ohio State is also dealing with major roster changes. Several star players have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving gaps that need to be filled before the season begins.

Among the most notable departures is quarterback Will Howard, who transferred in from Kansas State but is now taking his talents to the professional level. Defensive end Jack Sawyer, a key piece of Ohio State’s defensive front, has also declared for the draft, along with standout running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Losing these key contributors will make it even more challenging for the Buckeyes to maintain their status as one of the top teams in college football.

Where Does Ohio State Go From Here?

With so much uncertainty surrounding the program, Ohio State faces a critical offseason. The first order of business will be finding a new offensive coordinator to replace Kelly. Given the program’s reputation and resources, the Buckeyes should be able to attract top coaching talent, but time is of the essence.

On the defensive side, Ohio State must also determine how to fill the void left by Jim Knowles. Finding the right defensive coordinator will be crucial to maintaining the team’s recent defensive success.

Recruiting will also play a huge role in shaping the Buckeyes’ future. With several key players moving on to the NFL, Ohio State must ensure its incoming class and transfer portal additions are strong enough to keep the team competitive at the highest level.

Ohio State football is at a crossroads. The departure of Chip Kelly to the Raiders, combined with the loss of Jim Knowles and Justin Frye, has created a sense of instability within the program. Ryan Day now faces the biggest challenge of his tenure—rebuilding his coaching staff while ensuring the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse in college football.