UCLA Football: Head Coach Chip Kelly Discusses College Football's Complexities
In his sixth season as head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Chip Kelly has undoubtedly seen his fair share of challenges and changes. Throughout his tenure, the coaching landscape and the game of football itself have evolved immensely, presenting Kelly with an array of new obstacles to navigate. Yet, one thing remains constant through it all: Kelly's elite ability to scheme plays for his offenses.
In a recent interview with college football commentator Joe Klatt, Kelly opened up about how the game outside of the gridiron has transformed. He acknowledged that college football has undergone a different landscape of recruiting and player development. However, amidst all these changes, one principle has remained steadfast for Kelly – the players and the relationships he builds with them.
“I think there’s a lot of things going right with college football nowadays,” Kelly told Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt. “I think the story is always the players and if you get an opportunity to meet the players, if get an opportunity to meet Zach Charbonnet, that’s what’s right about (college football).
“If you get a chance to meet Bryce Young or Will Anderson, or whoever those guys are, when you hear their stories and listen to what they’ve overcome and what they’ve done to get to where they are, that’s what it’s all about.”
Kelly understands that the heart of football lies in the players and the bonds they form as a team. Despite the modern challenges he faces, he remains committed to nurturing these connections. As the game evolves, Kelly does his best to adapt without compromising the essence of what makes football special.
“I’ve always believed the main thing is the main thing and that is the student athlete,” Kelly said. “And if we keep the main thing, the main thing, then we’re going to be okay. But we think the world is kind of falling down around us. But if you look at every part of the history of college football, the other things have always gone on."
In the ever-evolving world of college football, Kelly continues to prove himself as a respected coach, adapting to the changes while staying true to the foundations of the sport.