As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming Rose Bowl to face Oregon, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looks ahead with excitement, jokingly noting the necessity for sunscreen due to the sunny Pasadena weather, a stark contrast to the current conditions in Columbus. “I gotta get more sunscreen,” he chuckled, reflecting on his return to the iconic stadium where he once coached the UCLA Bruins for six seasons before stepping down in February to embrace his new role at Ohio State (AP News).

During his time with UCLA, he achieved a record of 35-34, but felt restricted by the administrative burdens typical of head coaches, including managing NIL deals and recruiting. In contrast, his current position allows him to focus primarily on the football aspect, relishing his return to direct coaching of quarterbacks. "So it’s been fun, really enjoy being back in the meeting room with players," Kelly stated, emphasizing the satisfaction that comes with diving into the X's and O's of the game (Los Angeles Times).

Kelly’s partnership with quarterback Will Howard has flourished, blending their insights and experiences as they prepare for the pivotal playoff game. Howard, who grew up admiring Kelly's coaching during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, acknowledged their synergy, "The more this year has gone on, I feel like we’re in sync right now," illustrating the strong rapport between player and coach that has developed throughout the season.

Kelly's impact is also recognized in the performance stats of the Ohio State offense, which ranks 11th nationally with an average of 36 points per game. Reflecting on the upcoming matchup with Oregon, he mentioned the comprehensive preparation his staff has undertaken, reviewing all 13 games played by the Ducks this season. He observes that past experiences will inform their strategy, noting, “Every game is different. It’s always the matchups and the individual matchups…” showcasing his strategic mindset as they head into this significant game.

The Rose Bowl's historical significance adds a layer of emotion for Kelly. “The game itself, and the Rose Bowl itself, it’s such an iconic place to play,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to coach at such a prestigious event. His connections to Oregon, having coached there before, only heighten the anticipation for the game.

As the Buckeyes gear up for their showdown with the Ducks, Kelly continues to reflect on his journey from UCLA to Ohio State, noting, "I had a great time when I was at UCLA. I had a great staff and an unbelievable group of players there too," while also embracing the new challenges and excitement that come with his current position.