Northwestern has hired former Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly as the program’s next offensive coordinator, the university announced Tuesday.
After Kelly left Ohio State to become the Oakland Raiders’ offensive coordinator and the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL at $6 million per year on Feb. 4, he was fired by the Raiders less than a full season later on Nov. 23 after a 2-9 start.
Despite the abrupt end to his time with the Raiders, Kelly quickly found his footing, returning to the college ranks with Northwestern, a move the program views as pivotal.
“I am honored to join the Northwestern Football program,” Kelly said. “This program and university are clearly on the rise, and the values of the people and this place align with my own. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Northwestern head coach David Braun said in a statement that the move represents a major turning point for the Wildcats as they look to redefine the program’s offensive identity.
“His innovative approach to offense using systems that focus on varying tempo, efficiency and smart decision-making, his track record of developing quarterbacks, and his ability to maximize talent are exactly what our program needs at this moment,” Braun said.
“Make no mistake, this is a program-defining change and is reflective of our long-term commitment to the pursuit of championships.”
Prior to his time with the Raiders, Kelly led Ohio State to a national championship as its offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach in 2024. He also spent stints as the head coach of UCLA (2018-23) and Oregon (2009-12) in the collegiate ranks, as well as the San Francisco 49ers (2016) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15). Kelly also served as Oregon’s offensive coordinator for two seasons from 2007-08.
