Ohio State named Chip Kelly as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Friday, a replacement for Bill O’Brien after O’Brien took the head coaching job at Boston College. Here are three thoughts on the splashy hire:
There could be a shift in scheme
Kelly and O’Brien have similar backgrounds.
Both are experienced play-callers who have been head coaches at the professional and college levels over the past decade.
But their philosophies differ.
Kelly has long been run-heavy. UCLA ran the ball 56% of the time in his six years leading the Bruins, and it was an even higher percentage at Oregon. Over his six years as the Ducks’ coach and offensive coordinator, their rushing frequency was 62%.
More Chip Kelly: Ohio State football hires Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator
Oct 14, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
When O’Brien was the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2022 and 2021, the Crimson Tide’s run-pass split was 50-50 as he tailored to the strengths of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young.
There is a case to be made that Kelly could be an upgrade for the Buckeyes, bringing a dynamic running game to pair with Ryan Day’s passing attack.
It is a needed area for improvement as Ohio State’s rushing offense has sagged. The Buckeyes were No. 88 in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing last fall and finished with their fewest net rushing yards since 2004.
Kelly gave UCLA a shot in the arm.
In the season before his arrival in Westwood, the Bruins averaged 3.72 yards per carry, ranking No. 105 in the FBS. Their average rose to 6 yards by 2022, a mark that led the subdivision.
The pieces are in place for Kelly to reestablish the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-thoughts-ohio-state-football-111301078.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2024-02-12 11:13:01
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