Chip Kelly is a prominent figure in American football, recognized for his offensive coaching prowess. He rose to fame as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks (2009-2012), leading them to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. This success propelled him to the NFL, where he coached the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-2015) and the San Francisco 49ers (2016). Following his NFL tenure, Kelly returned to college football, serving as the head coach for the UCLA Bruins (2018-2024). Currently, he is the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
1917: Oregon Ducks Seek First Rose Bowl Victory Since 1917
The Ducks aimed to win their first Rose Bowl since 1917 but were unsuccessful.
1920: UCLA Bruins Experience Back-to-Back 0-3 Starts for First Time Since 1920-1921
The UCLA Bruins, under Chip Kelly's leadership, started the 2019 season 0-3, marking the first time since the 1920-1921 seasons that the team had consecutive 0-3 starts.
1921: UCLA Bruins Experience Back-to-Back 0-3 Starts for First Time Since 1920-1921
The UCLA Bruins, under Chip Kelly's leadership, started the 2019 season 0-3, marking the first time since the 1920-1921 seasons that the team had consecutive 0-3 starts.
1943: UCLA Bruins Start Season 0-5 for the First Time since 1943
The UCLA Bruins experienced their first 0-5 start to a season in 1943.
November 25, 1963: Birth of Chip Kelly
Chip Kelly was born on November 25, 1963.
1971: UCLA Bruins Suffer Worst Season Record Since 1971
The UCLA Bruins ended the 1971 season with a 2-7-1 record, marking their worst season performance up to that point in their history.
1988: Last Three Consecutive Eight-Win Seasons for UCLA Bruins Football
In 1988, the UCLA Bruins football team, coached by Terry Donahue, achieved three consecutive eight-win seasons, a feat matched by Chip Kelly's teams in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This accomplishment highlights the program's resurgence under Kelly's leadership.
1990: Coaching Debut at Columbia University
Chip Kelly began his coaching career in 1990 as the secondary and special teams coach for the freshman team at Columbia University.
1990: Graduation from the University of New Hampshire
Chip Kelly graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in physical education in 1990.
1991: Closest to National Championship Since 1991
The Ducks' appearance in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game marked the closest a team from the Pacific Northwest came to winning a national championship since 1991.
1992: Chip Kelly Marries Jennifer Jenkins
In 1992, Chip Kelly married Jennifer Jenkins, marking the beginning of their relationship.
1992: Running Backs Coach at the University of New Hampshire
In 1992, Chip Kelly returned to the University of New Hampshire to coach running backs.
1994: Return to UNH as Running Backs Coach
Chip Kelly returned to his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, as the running backs coach in 1994.
1995: Implementing the Zone-Blocking Scheme
Chip Kelly devised a zone-blocking scheme for star running back Jerry Azumah at UNH in 1995.
1995: First Rose Bowl Appearance Since 1995
The 2009 Rose Bowl marked the Ducks' first appearance in the prestigious game since 1995.
1997: Transition to Offensive Line Coach
Chip Kelly's role at UNH changed to offensive line coach in 1997.
1998: Conclusion of Offensive Line Coaching Stint
Chip Kelly concluded his two-year role as offensive line coach at UNH in 1998.
1999: Chip Kelly and Jennifer Jenkins Divorce
Chip Kelly and Jennifer Jenkins' marriage ended in divorce in 1999 after seven years.
1999: Promotion to Offensive Coordinator at New Hampshire
Chip Kelly became the offensive coordinator at New Hampshire in 1999.
2004: Oregon Ducks Experience First Losing Season Since 2004
The Oregon Ducks finished the 2016 season with a 4-8 record, their first losing season since 2004, leading to the firing of head coach Mark Helfrich.
2004: Breaking Offensive Records at New Hampshire
Chip Kelly's offensive strategies helped New Hampshire break 29 offensive school records in 2004.
2005: College Assistant Coach of the Year Award
Chip Kelly received the College Assistant Coach of the Year award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston in 2005.
2005: National Recognition for Offensive Prowess
New Hampshire, under Chip Kelly's offensive leadership, earned national recognition in 2005, finishing second in total offense, third in scoring, and fifth in passing.
2006: Conclusion of Tenure as Offensive Coordinator
Chip Kelly concluded his successful tenure as offensive coordinator at New Hampshire in 2006.
2006: Chip Kelly Declines New York Giants Coaching Offer
In 2006, while serving as the offensive coordinator at the University of New Hampshire, Chip Kelly declined an offer to become a quality control coach for the New York Giants.
2006: Walter Payton Award for Ricky Santos
Under Chip Kelly's guidance, quarterback Ricky Santos won the Walter Payton Award in 2006.
February 2007: Chip Kelly Joins Oregon as Offensive Coordinator
Chip Kelly joined the Oregon Ducks as their offensive coordinator in February 2007.
2007: New England Patriots Implement Hurry-Up Offense
The New England Patriots implemented the hurry-up offense as early as 2007.
2008: Oregon Ducks Lead Pac-10 in Scoring and Offense
In 2008, with Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, the Oregon Ducks led the Pac-10 in scoring and total offense.
2008: UCLA Bruins Football vs Stanford Cardinal Football
In 2008, the Stanford Cardinal defeated the UCLA Bruins, marking the beginning of an 11-game winning streak against the Bruins that lasted until 2019.
March 31, 2009: Chip Kelly Promoted to Head Coach at Oregon
On March 31, 2009, Chip Kelly was promoted to head coach of the Oregon Ducks.
December 7, 2009: Pac-10 Coach of the Year Award
Chip Kelly was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year on December 7, 2009.
2009: First Outright Conference Championship
Chip Kelly achieved his first outright conference championship as head coach of the Oregon Ducks in 2009.
2009: Chip Kelly's Tenure as Oregon Ducks Head Coach
Chip Kelly began his successful tenure as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks in 2009.
2009: Pac-10 Coach of the Year Award
Chip Kelly was named the Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 2009.
2009: Chip Kelly Refunds Fan's Travel Costs
In 2009, Chip Kelly, then head coach of the Oregon Ducks, demonstrated a gesture of goodwill by personally refunding a season ticket holder's travel expenses following a disappointing loss to Boise State. This act of generosity garnered positive attention and showcased Kelly's character.
2009: 49ers Secure First Week 1 Shutout Since 2009
In Chip Kelly's first game as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, the team achieved a 28-0 shutout victory against the Los Angeles Rams, marking the first Week 1 shutout since 2009.
2009: Chip Kelly and Jon Gruden Discuss Football Strategies
In the spring of 2009, Chip Kelly engaged in discussions about football theories, progressions, and offensive strategies with Jon Gruden in Tampa, Florida.
November 2010: Chip Kelly Visits Seattle Seahawks Practice Facility
During an Oregon bye week in November 2010, Chip Kelly visited Pete Carroll at the Seattle Seahawks practice facility.
December 4, 2010: Oregon Ducks Secure Second Consecutive Pac-10 Title
On December 4, 2010, the Oregon Ducks, under Chip Kelly, defeated the Oregon State Beavers, securing their second consecutive Pac-10 title.
2010: Suspension and Dismissal of Jeremiah Masoli
Chip Kelly suspended quarterback Jeremiah Masoli for the 2010 season due to legal issues. Masoli was later dismissed from the team.
2010: Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl
Chip Kelly led the Oregon Ducks to the Rose Bowl in 2010.
2010: Multiple Coach of the Year Awards
Chip Kelly received numerous Coach of the Year awards in 2010, including the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year, AFCA Coach of the Year Award, and Associated Press Coach of the Year.
January 10, 2011: Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship Game
The Oregon Ducks, led by Chip Kelly, played against the Auburn Tigers in the BCS National Championship Game on January 10, 2011, narrowly losing 22-19.
2011: Second Consecutive Outright Conference Championship
Chip Kelly led the Oregon Ducks to their second consecutive outright conference championship in 2011.
2011: Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship Game
In 2011, Chip Kelly led the Oregon Ducks to the BCS National Championship Game.
2011: Oregon Ducks' Season Opener Against LSU
The Oregon Ducks, ranked #3, faced the #4 LSU Tigers in the 2011 season opener, resulting in a loss for the Ducks.
January 2012: Chip Kelly Declines Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Position
Chip Kelly was interviewed for the head coach position by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2012, but declined the offer citing "unfinished business" with the Oregon Ducks.
2012: Chip Kelly Leads Eagles to NFC Eastern Division Championship in First Season
Taking over a team that went 4-12 in 2012, Chip Kelly led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 10-6 record and the NFC Eastern Division Championship in his first season, becoming the second head coach in NFL history to achieve this feat.
2012: Conference Division Title and Third Rose Bowl Appearance
Under Chip Kelly's leadership, the Oregon Ducks won a conference division title and made their third Rose Bowl appearance in 2012.
2012: Chip Kelly Meets Bill Belichick, Discusses "Blur" Offense
Chip Kelly met with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the 2012 offseason to discuss the "blur" offense he employed at Oregon.
2012: End of Chip Kelly's Tenure at Oregon
Chip Kelly concluded his time as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks in 2012.
January 2013: Chip Kelly Accepts Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Position
After declining initial offers and choosing to stay with Oregon, Chip Kelly accepted the head coach position for the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2013. This came after interviews with the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles.
January 16, 2013: Chip Kelly Becomes Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
On January 16, 2013, Chip Kelly formally agreed to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. While general manager Howie Roseman handled drafts and free agency signings, Kelly had final say on the 53-man roster.
April 16, 2013: University of Oregon Offers Probation for Football Program
On April 16, 2013, in response to NCAA violations during Chip Kelly's tenure, the University of Oregon offered to place its football program on two years' probation.
June 26, 2013: NCAA Sanctions Oregon, Issues Show-Cause Penalty to Chip Kelly
On June 26, 2013, concluding an investigation into Oregon's football scouting practices, the NCAA imposed a three-year probation on the university, along with scholarship reductions but no bowl ban. Chip Kelly received an 18-month show-cause penalty.
2013: Last Time UCLA Bruins Football Started 5-0
Before the 2022 season, the UCLA Bruins football team last accomplished a 5-0 start in 2013, highlighting the significance of their strong start under Chip Kelly in the 2022 season.
2013: Chip Kelly Joins the Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly began his three-year stint as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
2013: Victory in the Fiesta Bowl and Continued Success Against Rivals
In 2013, Chip Kelly led the Ducks to victory in the Fiesta Bowl, marking their fourth consecutive BCS bowl win. Kelly also maintained an undefeated record against rivals Oregon State Beavers and Washington Huskies.
2013: Oregon State Beavers Football vs California Golden Bears Football
In 2013, the Oregon State Beavers secured a resounding 49-17 victory against the California Golden Bears. This game marked their largest road win over a Pac-12 opponent until their win against UCLA in 2014.
2013: Oregon Ducks Win the Fiesta Bowl
The Oregon Ducks, coached by Chip Kelly, defeated Kansas State in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl.
2014: Eagles Finish with 10-6 Record, Miss Playoffs
Despite a 10-6 record in his second season in Philadelphia, identical to his first season, Chip Kelly and the Eagles failed to make the playoffs in 2014. Key injuries to players like Nick Foles and DeMeco Ryans hampered the team.
2014: UCLA Bruins Football vs Oregon State Beavers Football
On this day in 2014, the Oregon State Beavers defeated Chip Kelly's UCLA Bruins 48-31. It was a significant victory for the Beavers, marking only their third road win over a Pac-12 opponent since 2014.
January 2, 2015: Chip Kelly Gains Control of Eagles Roster, Howie Roseman Elevated
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced on January 2, 2015, that Chip Kelly would assume control of the team's 90-man roster, including draft and free agency decisions. Howie Roseman was elevated to Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
March 10, 2015: Eagles Trade LeSean McCoy, Nick Foles in Controversial Moves
Under Chip Kelly's direction, the Eagles made significant trades on March 10, 2015. They traded All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso and Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford. The moves were met with strong disapproval from Eagles fans.
December 29, 2015: Chip Kelly Fired by Philadelphia Eagles
With a 6-9 record, Chip Kelly was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles on December 29, 2015, before the final regular season game.
2015: Departure from the Philadelphia Eagles
Chip Kelly's time with the Philadelphia Eagles ended in 2015.
2015: Last UCLA Bruins Football Bowl Win
Prior to their LA Bowl victory in 2023, the UCLA Bruins football program's last bowl win came in 2015. The 2023 win demonstrated their growth under Chip Kelly.
2015: Last UCLA Bruins Football Winning Streak
Prior to their winning streak in 2019, the UCLA Bruins football team had last experienced a three-game winning streak in 2015, highlighting the significance of their 2019 accomplishment.
January 14, 2016: Chip Kelly Hired as Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers
Chip Kelly was hired as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers on January 14, 2016, becoming the team's third coach in three seasons.
2016: Chip Kelly Coaches the San Francisco 49ers
Chip Kelly spent one season, 2016, as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
January 1, 2017: Chip Kelly Fired by San Francisco 49ers After One Season
Following a 2-14 record in the 2016 season, Chip Kelly was fired by the San Francisco 49ers on January 1, 2017, after just one season with the team. General manager Trent Baalke was also relieved of his duties.
May 26, 2017: Chip Kelly Joins ESPN as College Football Analyst
Chip Kelly was hired by ESPN on May 26, 2017, to work as a studio analyst for college football.
November 25, 2017: Chip Kelly Becomes Head Coach at UCLA
After interviewing for the Florida head coach position, Chip Kelly was hired as the head football coach at UCLA on November 25, 2017.
2018: Return to College Football with UCLA
In 2018, Chip Kelly returned to college football as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins.
2018: UCLA Bruins Start 0-5 for First Time Since 1943
In Chip Kelly's first season at UCLA in 2018, the Bruins started the season 0-5, a first since 1943.
2019: UCLA Bruins Achieve Historic Comeback Victory Against Washington State
In a remarkable turnaround during the 2019 season, the UCLA Bruins, under Chip Kelly, overcame a 49-17 deficit to defeat No. 19 ranked Washington State, 67-63. The 32-point comeback stands as the third largest in FBS history.
2019: UCLA Bruins Football Winning Streak
The 2019 UCLA Bruins football team achieved a significant milestone by securing three consecutive victories against Stanford, Arizona State, and Colorado. This winning streak marked their first since 2015 and showcased their improved performance under Chip Kelly.
2021: UCLA Bruins Football Season
The 2021 season marked a turning point for the UCLA Bruins football program under Chip Kelly, as they finished with an 8-4 record after three consecutive losing seasons. This marked their best season in recent years and set the stage for future success.
2022: UCLA Bruins Football Season and Contract Extension
In 2022, the UCLA Bruins football program, led by Chip Kelly, continued its upward trajectory, starting 5-0 for the first time since 2013 and finishing 9-4. This successful season led to Kelly signing a two-year contract extension through 2027, demonstrating the university's confidence in his leadership.
2023: UCLA Bruins Football Season
In 2023, the UCLA Bruins, under Chip Kelly's leadership, secured their first bowl victory since 2015 by defeating Boise State in the LA Bowl. This win marked their third consecutive eight-win season, a feat last achieved by the program in 1988 under coach Terry Donahue.
February 9, 2024: Chip Kelly Leaves UCLA for Ohio State
On February 9, 2024, Chip Kelly made a significant career move by leaving his head coaching position at UCLA to become the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes. This decision came after six seasons at UCLA, where he achieved a 35-34 record.
2024: Move to Ohio State as Offensive Coordinator
Chip Kelly became the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024.
2027: End of Chip Kelly's Contract Extension
Chip Kelly's two-year contract extension, signed in 2022 after a successful season with the UCLA Bruins, is set to expire in 2027. The extension reflects the program's belief in his ability to lead the team to continued success.