Chip Kelly’s First Play Call in Ohio State’s Spring Game Was a Cool Tribute to a Buckeyes Legend

Patrick Andres | Apr 13, 2024

Mar 7, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly watches players. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

Throughout his illustrious career—and particularly during his stint as Oregon's coach from 2009-12, during which he transformed the Ducks into one of college football's glamor programs—new Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has been known for his high-flying offenses.

Naturally, then, the first play he called in the Buckeyes' spring game Saturday was... out of the T formation?

Lest fans think Kelly has gone conservative, he explained after the scrimmage that the play was a tribute to legendary former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes.

"Mr. Hayes, he's a looming figure around this whole program. We go to work every day in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center," Kelly said. "It's a small part of the offense. We will not be in the T 21 times in one game."

Chip Kelly said Ohio State opening in T Formation was a tribute to Woody Hayes, and it will be part of short-yardage package this season pic.twitter.com/CAMdLFSewJ

— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) April 13, 2024

Hayes, who led the Buckeyes from 1951-78 and remains one of Ohio's most beloved sports figures nearly four decades after his death, oversaw an offense widely associated with the phrase "three yards and a cloud of dust."

"Only three things can happen when you pass, and two of them are bad," Hayes once said.