To say Chip Kelly’s tenure ended poorly in Westwood with UCLA would be an understatement.
After six seasons with the Bruins, posting a 35-34 record, Kelly left UCLA for the Ohio State offensive coordinator position. Returning to the college game after a stint in the NFL, many believed Kelly would be able to turn the program around. And while the Bruins did see steady improvement in the wins and losses column as he continued coaching the Bruins, recruiting, and success in the Pac-12 never amounted to that of what Kelly enjoyed at Oregon.
At new head coach DeShaun Forest’s press conference, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond skirted questions surrounding Kelly’s exit.
Martin Jarmond, asked about possibly severing ties with Chip Kelly when it became public he was courting other jobs: “Today is about DeShaun and moving forward.”
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) February 13, 2024
Leaving it simply at, “Today is about DeShaun and moving forward,” Jarmond’s comments revealed that Kelly’s departure was anything but pleasant.
But Jarmond had a point. The future of UCLA football begins by letting go of the past. Playing in the newly loaded BIG 10, it will be an uphill climb for the Bruins to find their foothold in the conference.
And the best way to keep moving forward is often not to look back.