Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chip Kelly

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Chip Kelly made an impact.

Chip Kelly is an American football coach known for his innovative, fast-paced offensive strategies. He achieved significant success as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks from 2009-2012, leading them to a National Championship appearance. This success propelled him to the NFL, where he coached the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. After a period in the NFL, Kelly returned to college football as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins for six seasons. He recently departed UCLA to become the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1982: Under Kelly, the Bruins averaged their four worst season home attendance numbers since moving to the Rose Bowl in 1982

Under Chip Kelly, the Bruins averaged their four worst season home attendance numbers since moving to the Rose Bowl in 1982

1988: It was the Bruins' third consecutive eight-win season, the second such streak in the program since 1988 under coach Terry Donahue.

In 2023, the Bruins were 8–5, winning the LA Bowl over Boise State for the program's first bowl win since 2015. It was the Bruins' third consecutive eight-win season, the second such streak in the program since 1988 under coach Terry Donahue.

1990: Coaching role with Columbia University Lions

In 1990, Chip Kelly began his coaching career with the Columbia University Lions, serving as the secondary and special teams coach for the freshman team.

1992: Running Backs Coach at University of New Hampshire

In 1992, Chip Kelly became the running backs coach at the University of New Hampshire, his alma mater.

1994: Return to University of New Hampshire as Running Backs Coach

In 1994, Chip Kelly returned to the University of New Hampshire as the running backs coach for three seasons.

1995: Devising Zone-Blocking Scheme for Jerry Azumah

In 1995, Chip Kelly devised a zone-blocking scheme for star Jerry Azumah.

1997: Offensive Line Coach at University of New Hampshire

In 1997, Chip Kelly transitioned to the role of offensive line coach for two seasons at the University of New Hampshire.

1998: Continued as Offensive Line Coach at University of New Hampshire

In 1998, Chip Kelly continued as the offensive line coach at the University of New Hampshire.

1999: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator at New Hampshire

In 1999, Chip Kelly was promoted to offensive coordinator at the University of New Hampshire.

2004: New Hampshire offense breaks records

In 2004, the University of New Hampshire's offense broke 29 school records, compiling 5,446 yards and scoring 40 or more points in seven games under Chip Kelly's guidance.

2005: Wildcats offense ranks nationally

In 2005, the New Hampshire Wildcats finished second nationally in total offense (493.5 ypg), third in scoring (41.7 ppg), and fifth in passing (300.1 ypg), achieving an 11-2 record.

2006: Tom Coughlin Offer

In 2006, New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin offered Chip Kelly a position as a quality control coach, which Kelly turned down before becoming the offensive coordinator at Oregon.

February 2007: Hired as Offensive Coordinator at Oregon

In February 2007, Chip Kelly was hired as the offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon.

2007: Patriots Implemented Hurry Up Offense

In 2007, New England Patriots had implemented the hurry up offense.

2008: UCLA gets its first win over Stanford since 2008

After an open date in 2008, the UCLA Bruins, led by Chip Kelly, traveled to Stanford and defeated the Cardinal 34–16, snapping an 11-game losing streak against the Cardinal.

2008: Oregon Ducks lead Pac-10 in scoring and total offense

In 2008, the Oregon Ducks led the Pac-10 in scoring (41.9 ppg) and total offense (484.8 ypg), breaking school records set the previous season.

March 31, 2009: Promotion to Head Coach at Oregon

On March 31, 2009, Chip Kelly was promoted to head coach of the Oregon Ducks.

2009: First Season as Head Coach

In 2009, Chip Kelly began his tenure as head coach of the Oregon Ducks, marking the start of four seasons where the team reached BCS games each year.

January 2012: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Interview

In January 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers interviewed Chip Kelly for the head coach position, but he declined the job.

2012: 2012 Season

In 2012, Chip Kelly led Oregon to a 12-1 season, finishing with a #2 ranking.

2012: Eagles' Previous Season Record

In 2012, the Eagles went 4-12, the season before Chip Kelly joined the team.

January 2013: NFL Interviews and Decision to Join Eagles

In January 2013, Chip Kelly was interviewed by the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles before initially deciding to remain at Oregon, but later accepted the offer from Philadelphia to become the Eagles' head coach.

January 16, 2013: Agreed to Terms with Philadelphia Eagles

On January 16, 2013, Chip Kelly agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles to become the team's head coach.

2013: UCLA begins season 5-0 for the first time since 2013

In 2022, Chip Kelly led UCLA to begin the season 5–0 for the first time since 2013.

2014: Second Season with the Eagles

In 2014, Chip Kelly finished his second season in Philadelphia with a 10-6 record, but the Eagles did not make the playoffs.

January 2, 2015: Eagles owner gives Kelly control of roster

On January 2, 2015, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced that Chip Kelly would assume control of the 90-man roster, including authority over the draft and free agency. Roseman was "elevated" to Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

March 10, 2015: Eagles trade McCoy and Foles under Kelly's request

On March 10, 2015, under Chip Kelly's request, the Eagles traded LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for Kiko Alonso and Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford. He also signed DeMarco Murray. The trades were met with negative reception.

December 29, 2015: Kelly fired by the Eagles

On December 29, 2015, Chip Kelly was fired by the Eagles before the final regular season game. Speculation arose regarding Kelly's candidacy for NFL head coach openings.

2015: Bruins achieve three-game winning streak

After winning over Stanford, Arizona State, and Colorado, the 2019 Bruins, under the leadership of Chip Kelly, achieved their first three-game winning streak since 2015.

2015: Bruins win LA Bowl over Boise State for the program's first bowl win since 2015

In 2023, the Chip Kelly led Bruins were 8–5, winning the LA Bowl over Boise State for the program's first bowl win since 2015.

January 14, 2016: Kelly hired as 49ers head coach

On January 14, 2016, Chip Kelly was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as head coach.

January 1, 2017: 49ers lose final game of season

On January 1, 2017, Chip Kelly's 49ers lost their final game of the season against the Seahawks. Following the loss and a 2-14 record, Kelly and Baalke were fired.

May 26, 2017: Kelly hired by ESPN

On May 26, 2017, Chip Kelly was hired by ESPN as a studio analyst for college football.

November 25, 2017: Kelly hired as UCLA head football coach

On November 25, 2017, Chip Kelly was hired as the head football coach at UCLA.

2018: Under Kelly, the Bruins averaged their four worst season home attendance numbers since moving to the Rose Bowl in 1982, including the 47,591 in his first season in 2018

Under Chip Kelly, the Bruins averaged their four worst season home attendance numbers since moving to the Rose Bowl in 1982, including the 47,591 in his first season in 2018

2019: Bruins defeat Arizona State 42-32

In 2019, following the Stanford victory, Chip Kelly's Bruins defeated Arizona State 42–32 at the Rose Bowl. The Sun Devils were ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll at the time.

2021: UCLA finishes 8-4

After three straight losing seasons, UCLA was 8–4 in 2021 under Chip Kelly.

2022: UCLA finishes 9-4

In 2022, Chip Kelly led UCLA to begin the season 5–0 for the first time since 2013, and finished 9–4 (6–3 in the Pac-12) with a 37–35 loss to Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl. After the season, Kelly signed a two-year contract extension that runs through 2027.