When Northwestern football won the GameAbove Sports Bowl on Dec. 26, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that the “offensive reset” was coming for the team. It appears as though that offensive reset is already underway.
After rumors yesterday that Northwestern would be officially parting with former offensive coordinator Zach Lujan, reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel and On3 Sports’ Mike Nakos have not only confirmed but expanded on those rumblings.
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Per those sources and others, Northwestern is expected to hire Chip Kelly as its next offensive coordinator, replacing Lujan, whose contract is now up following the end of Northwestern’s season. Kelly would be Northwestern’s third offensive coordinator in Evanston in the past four seasons, as Lujan replaced Mike Bajakian before the start of the 2024 season.
Kelly, a veteran in the football coaching world, has experience across both the NFL and CFB. He was most recently the offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders this past season before being let go. His college resume, however, extends much further.
During a five-year run with CFB powerhouse Oregon (2009-2012), Kelly won 2010 Coach of the Year and helped the Ducks to four consecutive 10-plus win seasons. He would return to the college world in 2018 with UCLA, turning the Bruins’ program around and ending his tenure with three straight winning seasons. Finally, he moved on to become the offensive coordinator of Ohio State in 2024, helping lead the Buckeyes’ offense to a 14-2 record and what is considered one of the most dominant national championship runs in history.
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With Northwestern’s season having wrapped up less than week ago, athletic director Mark Jackson and Co. have already appeared to be revving up for a busy offseason in hopes of a much-improved 2026 campaign.
