
Chip Kelly’s decision to leave Ohio State for an NFL position could set the stage for significant changes in the college football landscape, particularly for Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State. While Day’s future with the Buckeyes appears secure for now, Kelly’s potential move could force Day to take significant risks if he wants to keep Ohio State’s offensive dominance intact and remain competitive at the highest level.
Kelly’s offensive philosophy, especially his innovative spread and up-tempo schemes, has been a key part of Ohio State’s offensive identity in recent years. If Kelly were to leave for an NFL position, Day could be left without a vital element of Ohio State’s football success. The challenge for Day would be deciding whether to keep Kelly’s system intact or make adjustments to adapt to a new offensive direction.
On one hand, Ryan Day could take the safe route and maintain the same offensive system, working with the existing staff and recruiting classes to ensure continuity. However, this would be a significant risk because the college game continues to evolve, with more emphasis on dynamic quarterbacks, versatile playmakers, and creative offensive schemes. The pressure on Day to modernize Ohio State’s offense could be overwhelming, especially with other top programs constantly adjusting to the changing landscape.
Another option for Day would be to make a bold change by bringing in a new offensive coordinator or even revamping the team’s philosophy. While this might provide new energy and innovation to the Buckeyes’ offense, it would be risky in terms of chemistry, execution, and the impact on recruiting. Changing schemes mid-stream could also alienate some of Ohio State’s top players, especially those who have been recruited specifically to fit Kelly’s high-tempo system.
Lastly, Day might choose to focus on enhancing other aspects of the team, such as the defense or special teams, to compensate for the potential loss of Kelly’s offensive brilliance. However, this would place additional pressure on the defense to carry a larger burden, which could lead to an imbalanced team. In any case, Kelly’s decision to leave could force Ryan Day to take a significant risk, whether he maintains the status quo, shifts his offensive approach, or completely redefines Ohio State’s offensive identity.