Rumors flew late last week that changes were coming to the Northwestern Wildcats offense.
Following a 34-7 victory over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Northwestern head coach David Braun was asked about a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg about a coming “offensive reset.” Braun didn’t address the rumor, but we now know it to be true.
It was announced Tuesday that Northwestern has hired Chip Kelly to join Braun’s staff as offensive coordinator. It was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the school.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Chip and his wife, Jill, to our university,” Braun said via press release from Northwestern. “His innovative approach to offense using systems that focus on varying tempo, efficiency and smart decision-making, his track record of developing quarterbacks and his ability to maximize talent are exactly what our program needs at this moment. … Make no mistake: this is a program-defining change and is reflective of our long-term commitment to the pursuit of championships.”
“I am honored to join the Northwestern football program,” said Kelly. “This program and university are clearly on the rise, and the values of the people and this place align with my own. I am grateful for the opportunity. There is tremendous potential under coach Braun’s leadership, and I’m ready to contribute to this team. There is great momentum around the program, and the opening of the new Ryan Field reflects Northwestern’s commitment to excellence and innovation. It will be a major asset as we continue to move forward, and I am excited to get to Evanston.”
Kelly most recently served as offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders and was fired on Nov. 23. Before that, he had served in a similar role with Ohio State, helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship. Kelly had made shockwaves with his move to Columbus, as he left UCLA after serving as head coach for six years and compiling a 35-34 record with the Bruins for what seemed like a step down.
Kelly’s first head coaching job was at Oregon from 2009-12 when his Ducks won three PAC-12 titles and earned Top Five finishes. He then went to the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-15 and then coached the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
Northwestern’s hiring of Kelly comes just days before the transfer portal opens, allowing the Wildcats to pursue offensive pieces aggressively. Kelly’s hiring also replaces current offensive coordinator and play-caller Zach Lujan, who’s contract is expiring in January.
“And I’ll be honest with you, really the worst part of my job is the fact that sometimes that leads to really difficult decisions that impact people that you care about, and that you love, and that you’d do anything for,” Braun said Friday at Ford Field when addressing the rumors and what’s next.
The Wildcats finished the 2025 campaign 7-6 with the aforementioned bowl win, but lost three games by just one score (Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois). With New Ryan Field set to open in 2026 and championship aspirations, Northwestern is making necessary changes to reach their goals.
“If we’re gonna talk about there being a goal of winning the Big Ten Championship, and playing in the CFP, and guys, if we’re gonna play in the college football playoff, what’s the ultimate goal be?” Braun asked rhetorically in Detroit. “Win.”
This story will be updated following a press conference at noon.
