Why Seahawks Are Affected After Bill O'Brien Leaves Ohio State for Boston College
The college football world is shaking up on Friday after Bill O'Brien agreed to become the next head coach for Boston College.
O'Brien, who was the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2023, agreed to join Ohio State in the same position under coach Ryan Day. However, BC offered him a better gig and now the Buckeyes need an offensive coordinator.
Among those in the running for O'Brien's replacement in Columbus is Chip Kelly, who is one of the finalists for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator position.
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Kelly, 60, coached the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-15 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, but has experienced more success in the college ranks with Oregon (2009-12) and UCLA (2018-23). However, Kelly has eyed a return to the NFL, having interviewed with the Seahawks on Tuesday to be part of Mike Macdonald's staff.
It seems unlikely for Kelly, who is still UCLA's head coach, to leave his current spot for a demotion with a conference rival (UCLA is joining the Big Ten in 2024). However, Ohio State gives Kelly his best opportunity to win a National Championship since his Oregon days.
Perhaps the Buckeyes could swoop in and offer Kelly the job O'Brien took, which would throw a wrench in the Seahawks' plans.
This is further proof that football is one giant web of connections and the coaching carousel can get a little dizzy sometimes.
