Chip Kelly played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s quest to earn a rematch with Oregon in the 2024 Rose Bowl, drawing on his deep connections to both teams and his innovative approach to football. As the head coach of Oregon from 2009 to 2012, Kelly transformed the Ducks into a national powerhouse with his up-tempo, high-octane offense, setting the stage for a historic showdown between the two programs.
Ohio State’s path to the 2024 Rose Bowl began with their strong performance in the Big Ten Championship, but their potential rematch with Oregon was not a foregone conclusion. The Buckeyes had to overcome stiff competition, particularly from other high-ranked teams vying for a place in the College Football Playoff. However, it was Kelly’s Oregon squad, under current coach Dan Lanning, that helped secure the Buckeyes’ spot in Pasadena.
Kelly’s influence in this context is more indirect but crucial. Having spent several years coaching against top-tier teams, including Ohio State, Kelly’s legacy in the Pac-12 and his ability to shape offensive strategies that rival defensive powerhouses were key factors in how the Ducks played in the 2023 season. Oregon’s victory over some of the top teams in the nation during the regular season—particularly their impressive win over Washington—helped them secure a place in the College Football Playoff, which in turn gave Ohio State a chance to take the second spot.
While Kelly is no longer directly involved in coaching either team, his innovations in offensive football laid a foundation that both programs continue to build upon. His signature “blur” offense, with fast-paced play calling and heavy use of the no-huddle system, influenced the way teams like Oregon and Ohio State approach the game. For Ohio State, especially, Kelly’s influence is evident in their own evolving offensive strategy under head coach Ryan Day, who has adopted a modern version of Kelly’s up-tempo offense.
The rematch between Ohio State and Oregon in the Rose Bowl brings together two iconic programs with distinct playing styles, but with Kelly’s blueprint still evident in both. Ohio State’s dynamic offense, propelled by their own blend of quick-paced play, will face off against Oregon’s blend of speed and precision. Chip Kelly’s legacy, marked by pushing boundaries and challenging traditional football thinking, remains a crucial thread in this exciting bowl game narrative. His indirect role in helping Ohio State secure a rematch with Oregon is a testament to the lasting impact he has had on college football, even long after leaving the Ducks.