Ohio State’s New Chip: Big Ten Notebook | National Sports

During late July, the pressure is mounting in Columbus, Ohio, specifically on Ohio State head coach Ryan Day since the year 2021. The disappointment of losing three consecutive rivalry games against Michigan has left the fan base dissatisfied with a coach who is well compensated not to fail in those games. With Chip Kelly now in charge of the Buckeyes’ offense in 2024, Day might finally achieve victory against Michigan, providing new athletic director Ross Bjork several million reasons to not seek a replacement coach. Kelly’s appointment as offensive coordinator may seem overly qualified, much like a college professor teaching history to middle schoolers. Nevertheless, this could be the exact infusion of talent that Ohio State needs to progress under Day’s leadership. In a program that measures success solely by winning championships, Day has fallen short, losing five times. This is where Kelly comes in. Kelly’s coaching prowess at Oregon speaks for itself, and he is expected to elevate Ohio State’s offense rapidly, preventing fan frustration experienced during consecutive losses to their northern rivals. Day praised Kelly’s expertise, highlighting his trust in Kelly’s play-calling abilities and expressing confidence in the team’s future success. The anticipation for Ohio State’s performance is high, with 21 out of 27 experts polled by cleveland.com predicting the team will emerge as champions amidst stiff competition in the Big Ten Conference. Pairing Kelly’s strategic offensive mind with the team’s considerable talent only amplifies these lofty expectations. Other Big Ten coaches shared their perspectives during media days, with each expressing optimism and determination for the upcoming season. Illinois coach Bret Bielema emphasized his excitement for the position, despite the team’s ranking. Rutger’s Greg Schiano stressed the importance of making an impact, echoing the sentiment of various coaches aiming for success in the competitive league. Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell praised quarterback Tyler Van Dyke’s growth potential and leadership skills, hinting at a potential standout season for the Badgers. Northwestern’s David Braun highlighted the challenge of sustaining success following a remarkable turnaround in the previous year. Purdue’s Ryan Walters expressed comfort in his second year as coach, despite the team’s low ranking. Each coach shared their aspirations and goals, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.