Big Ten media day has come and gone, and players and coaches throughout the conference had plenty to say. DeShaun Foster, the head coach at UCLA was laughed at for his opening statements. But, several were asked about their former head coach Chip Kelly.
Kelly was at UCLA from 2018-2023 and went 35-34 over those six seasons, and went 26-26 in Pac-12 play. The Bruins went to a big game the last three seasons, including a win last season. After the season was over, he announced he was going to go to Ohio State and be the offensive coordinator for Ryan Day.
Defensive tackle Jay Toia was one of the ones who spoke and had this to say about his former coach:
“I think we’re just happy for him. Happy that he’s in a situation where he can be offensive coordinator at The Ohio State. Ohio State’s a really big program historically. So we’re just all happy for him and he did what he thought was best for him and his family.”
Coach Foster was also asked about Kelly and had this to say:
“They’re getting a good coach. Somebody that’s well-versed in football. Really knows a lot of ball. Great play caller. Going to run the rock. So I’m excited to see what Coach is going to do. He’s somebody, when he has a lot of talent, things go really well fast. So I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.”
UCLA and Ohio State are not slated to play in football this season.
Chip Kelly drew praise at Big Ten Media Days from his former UCLA players, who described him as a “very, very smart offensive mind” and said they’re happy for their former coach. https://t.co/x0J1xLNiMA
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 25, 2024