The NFL return for Chip Kelly didn’t go quite as planned. The now-former Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator lasted just 11 games, with the team going 2-9 while fielding one of the league’s worst offenses.
Kelly, 62, was unlikely to be done coaching, and speculation quickly began regarding his next landing spot. His best work has arguably been at the college level, specifically at Oregon, with his most recent stint at Ohio State as offensive coordinator in 2024. That season, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship behind the No. 14 scoring offense and No. 30 total offense in the nation.
Now it appears Kelly could return to the college ranks after a one-year absence. His name has emerged as a candidate for the offensive coordinator position at Georgia Tech, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Kelly reportedly interviewed for the job, and Jackets Online reported that he was seen at Georgia Tech’s bowl practice on December 10.
Hiring Kelly would be a major move for Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, who recently lost play-caller Buster Faulkner to Florida for the same role under new head coach Jon Sumrall.
Chip Kelly Taking Georgia Tech Job Sets Up Big 2026 Nonconference Game
Georgia Tech has two marquee home games to open the 2026 season inside Bobby Dodd Stadium. First, Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes come to Atlanta. A week later, the SEC’s Tennessee Volunteers arrive.
If Kelly were to take the Yellow Jackets offensive coordinator job, the September 12 matchup against Tennessee becomes even more intriguing — beyond the fact the teams haven’t met since 2017.
On December 10, Tennessee hired Jim Knowles as its new defensive coordinator. Knowles departs Penn State after one season but previously spent 2024 at Ohio State alongside Kelly. Both were regarded as significant hires by Ryan Day and viewed as one of the best coordinator duos in the country. Their pairing paid off with a national championship.
Seeing both coordinators on opposite sidelines less than two years later would create a preseason narrative you can bet will dominate the buildup — assuming Kelly takes the job.
Chip Kelly Would Work Well at Georgia Tech
Speaking at the Pop-Tarts Bowl teleconference, Brent Key joked that he had close to 40 names in his binder of potential offensive coordinators. Obviously, Kelly was one of them, and he may be the best option.
Georgia Tech prefers to run the football, and few coaches have produced consistently strong rushing attacks the way Kelly has over a 25-year playcalling career. Wherever he’s been, his offenses have historically run the ball well.
The downside is that Kelly would inherit an offense without star quarterback Haynes King. King led the Yellow Jackets in rushing this season with 922 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns. Aaron Philo appears poised to take over in 2026.
Jamal Haynes is also departing after finishing as the team’s third-leading rusher with 504 yards and five touchdowns. However, there’s a chance Malachi Hosley returns after posting 634 yards and seven touchdowns.
And of course, the transfer portal gives Kelly the chance to find new playmakers immediately.
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