UCLA Football: How Martin Jarmond Will Handle Chip Kelly's Buyout

Chip Kelly is leaving UCLA to become the OC for Ohio State.

In some surprising news Friday, it was revealed that UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly is leaving the program to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State. This had been rumored for a while, but now the search for a new head coach will begin for UCLA athletic director Martin Jammond.

Per Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times, Jarmond confirmed that the school would enforce Kelly's $1.5 million buyout to allow him to leave. Kelly had been under contract through the 2027 season but now bolts for the Buckeyes.

Martin Jarmond said UCLA will enforce Chip Kelly’s $1.5 million buyout to the school.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) February 9, 2024

It seems that Kelly had enough of being a head coach with the Bruins, and his track record wasn't all that impressive. He will now take over the offensive play calling for Ohio State in the same season that UCLA will enter the Big Ten Conference.

If Kelly is still with the Buckeyes for the 2025 season, UCLA is scheduled to take on Ohio State in Columbus. This would be a strong narrative heading into the game, but with the way college football is nowadays, nobody knows where anyone will be.

It's rare to see a head coach take a lower position elsewhere, but Kelly likely was tired of having to lead the Bruins. There were rumors that he was looking into the NFL, and this move to Ohio State could be his path back. Or he may want something with less pressure, like the offensive coordinator role. 

Either way, UCLA now needs a new leader at the helm. They are hopeful to land a new coach in the coming days to ensure the program stays strong through the offseason.