The tenure of Chip Kelly as head coach of the UCLA Bruins is reportedly nearing its end. According to Tracy Pierson of 247Sports, it is "very realistic" that UCLA will part ways with Kelly following the team's upcoming clash against the USC Trojans on Saturday. However, Pierson also noted that if the Bruins emerge victorious in this pivotal matchup, Kelly's firing could be postponed until after the game against Cal.
Kelly has been at the helm of the Bruins since 2018 and has posted a 33-33 record over his six seasons in charge. Despite UCLA's current 6-4 record heading into the showdown with USC, their chances of overcoming the Trojans, led by standout quarterback Caleb Williams, appear slim.
During his tenure, Kelly has only managed to guide the team to a bowl game once, which came in the 2022 campaign when they suffered a defeat in the Sun Bowl against Pittsburgh. Moreover, the Bruins have never truly contended for the Pac-12 title, leaving much to be desired under Kelly's leadership.
The future of UCLA's football program is also under scrutiny, with their 2023 schedule believed to be one of the easiest in recent history. However, the team's disappointing back-to-back losses to Arizona and Arizona State have further highlighted the need for a change at the head coach position. As the Bruins prepare for a transition to the more challenging Big Ten conference in 2024, it comes as no surprise that the program is likely seeking a new voice to guide them into this new era.
Should UCLA's head coaching position become available, it could attract a flurry of potential candidates, considering the team's imminent conference change. The allure of coaching in a prestigious program like UCLA, coupled with the opportunity to make an impact in a different conference, adds an extra appeal to the position.
In summary, it seems that Chip Kelly's time with the UCLA Bruins is drawing to a close. With little success in terms of championship contention and a disappointing performance in recent games, the program appears poised for change. As the Bruins gear up for a challenging shift to the Big Ten conference, the possibility of a new head coach taking the reins has become increasingly probable.
