Former Ohio State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly has joined the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator, a move that sent shockwaves through college football. The decision caught many by surprise, including former NFL linebacker Will Compton, who reacted with a simple two-word tweet.
Will Compton’s Two-Word Reaction to Chip Kelly’s NFL Move
Like many, Will Compton was stunned by the news of Kelly’s return to the NFL. His response?
“No way,” Compton tweeted.
No way https://t.co/Vjdfj91KWq
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) February 2, 2025
Kelly played a key role in Ohio State’s 2024 national championship season, serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Under his leadership, the Buckeyes averaged 35.7 points per game and finished with a 14-12 record, capping off the season with a national title win.
He was the architect behind Ohio State’s high-powered offense, helping freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith put up a sensational season with 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns—leading the Big Ten in both receiving yards and touchdowns.
Kelly also transformed quarterback Will Howard, elevating his completion percentage from 61% in 2023 to 73.1% in 2024.
Now, Kelly will look to replicate that success in Las Vegas as he works under new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.
New Raiders OC Chip Kelly Breaks Silence on Leaving Ohio State
During a news conference, Kelly addressed his decision to leave Ohio State for the Raiders, explaining that he was drawn back to the NFL for the challenge of competing at the highest level.
“Obviously, this is the highest league of football,” Kelly said. “The competition is at an all-time high.”
Kelly also expressed confidence in the Raiders organization, particularly in head coach Pete Carroll.
“I would only go somewhere where I felt really confident—from the ownership to the personnel to the head coach,” Kelly said. “I really felt that when I met with Pete.”
Kelly’s Coaching Journey: From Oregon to the NFL and Back
Kelly first rose to prominence as the head coach at Oregon (2009-2012), leading the Ducks to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. His success in Eugene propelled him to the NFL, where he spent four seasons as a head coach, three with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2015) and one with the San Francisco 49ers (2016).
However, after struggling in the NFL, Kelly returned to college football, spending six seasons as UCLA’s head coach (2018-2023) before taking the offensive coordinator job at Ohio State for the 2024 season.
Looking back on his time in Columbus, Kelly called it an unforgettable experience.
“The opportunity at Ohio State was amazing,” Kelly said. “To be a small part of that team winning a national championship was really cool—to watch players persevere, show incredible resiliency, and get a chance to say they’re champions for the rest of their lives was pretty special.”
MORE: NCAA to NFL, Tracking All Coach Moves and Rumors
Now, Kelly embarks on his second NFL stint, aiming to make a more lasting impact with Carroll and the Raiders.
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