Chip Kelly finds himself on the open market again after the Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with him midway through the 2025 NFL season. With potential staff changes looming at Oregon, the idea of the former Ducks head coach returning to Eugene is gaining traction, and for good reason.
Dan Lanning has built a powerhouse in short order, but offensive coordinator Will Stein is no longer a question mark. On Monday, Kentucky announced the hiring of the 36-year-old Stein as their new head coach, replacing Mark Stoops after 13 seasons marred by back-to-back losing records, including a 41-0 blowout loss to Louisville. A Kentucky native and former Louisville quarterback, Stein joined Oregon in 2023 and engineered one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses. He will stay on to call plays for the Ducks through the College Football Playoff before transitioning to his first head coaching gig. Stein called the opportunity a dream, having grown up a Wildcats fan.
With Stein now officially headed to Lexington, Oregon will need a replacement who can keep the offense among the nation’s best without missing a beat. Few candidates check more boxes than Kelly.
From 2009 to 2012, Kelly posted a 46-7 record as Oregon’s head coach, won a Rose Bowl, reached the BCS National Championship game, and claimed a Fiesta Bowl victory. Now 62, he remains one of the sharpest offensive minds in football and just proved it again at the highest level.
Here are three reasons Oregon should strongly consider bringing him back as offensive coordinator.
Oregon Needs an Elite Replacement for Will Stein
Will Stein turned the Ducks into one of the most exciting and productive offenses in college football. His scheme attacks defenses horizontally and vertically, mixes physical running with creative play design, and consistently puts points on the board.
With Stein’s departure confirmed, the drop-off cannot be steep. Hiring another young assistant carries risk. Chip Kelly, on the other hand, brings instant credibility, a proven system, and a history of revolutionizing the game during his first run in Eugene.
Kelly Just Ran a National-Championship Offense
Last season at Ohio State, Kelly coordinated the offense for the 2024 national champions. His unit averaged 6.9 yards per play (fourth in FBS), scored 35.7 points per game (tied for 12th), and protected the football exceptionally well.
Those are exactly the kind of explosive, efficient, and disciplined numbers Oregon expects. Kelly knows how to win titles with elite talent, and he just did it a year ago.
A Ready-Made Fit with Dante Moore
If quarterback Dante Moore returns for another season, the connection is already there. Kelly coached Moore at UCLA in 2023 and understands exactly how to feature his arm strength, athleticism, and play-making ability.
Pairing Moore with Kelly’s scheme and Oregon’s loaded skill group could create one of the most dangerous offenses in college football in 2026.
Oregon has the resources, the roster, and the momentum to chase national titles every year. Adding a proven winner and offensive innovator like Chip Kelly would keep the Ducks at the forefront of the sport. Bringing him home is not about the past. It is about winning right now.
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