Jeremiah Smith’s Strong Reaction to Chip Kelly’s Departure from Ohio State to Join the Las Vegas Raiders Coaching Staff
When Chip Kelly made the shocking decision to leave Ohio State and take a position with the Las Vegas Raiders, it didn’t just send shockwaves through the college football world—it ignited a firestorm of controversy, especially from Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith, one of the top recruits in the nation, was set to play under Kelly’s offensive system, a high-powered, up-tempo approach that had already revolutionized college football at Oregon. But Kelly’s sudden exit before Smith even played a snap with the Buckeyes left the young star fuming.
“To be completely honest, I feel betrayed,” Smith told reporters in a candid post-practice interview. “This is a guy who promised us, the recruits, that he was going to build something special here. And then he just walks away, like it’s nothing. It’s a slap in the face to everyone who trusted him, everyone who was excited to play under him.”
Smith’s outrage wasn’t just a personal reaction; it was the voice of a larger frustration from many players and staff members at Ohio State. Kelly, known for his quick-tempo offenses and sharp mind, had been a major part of Ohio State’s recruiting pitch, particularly for skill players like Smith, who thrived in up-tempo, pass-heavy systems. With Kelly now gone, the program was left scrambling to fill a leadership void that many felt would hinder their championship aspirations.
The controversy surrounding Kelly’s departure reached new heights as rumors circulated that he had left Ohio State for financial gain, with the Las Vegas Raiders offering a salary and control over the offense that was far too tempting to turn down. Some speculated that Kelly, who had previously made a name for himself in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, saw the Raiders’ position as a return to the pro ranks as a necessary next step in his career. However, the timing of his departure raised serious questions about his commitment to the players who had bought into his vision for Ohio State football.
“I can’t respect that kind of move,” Smith continued, his frustration evident. “I get it—money talks. But at the end of the day, you’re leaving a program that was on the verge of greatness. You leave behind kids like me, who put their trust in you. If he didn’t want to be here, he shouldn’t have promised us the world.”
While many of Smith’s comments were charged with emotion, they also reflected a broader issue of loyalty and expectations in college football. Coaches are often seen as figures of stability, but the reality is that their decisions are just as influenced by personal ambition and career trajectory as those of their players. Kelly’s move to the Raiders exemplified this conflict, leading some to argue that college programs, especially elite ones like Ohio State, had become a breeding ground for coaches eager to use their success as a stepping stone to bigger, more lucrative opportunities in the NFL.
For Smith, it wasn’t just about the betrayal of trust—it was about unfinished business. The five-star receiver had chosen Ohio State because of Kelly’s promise to implement a system that would play to his strengths and elevate his game. Now, with Kelly gone, Smith was left wondering if the new coaching staff would follow through with similar offensive philosophies, or if they would steer the program in a different direction entirely.
Despite the anger, Smith remained resolute in his commitment to Ohio State. “At the end of the day, I’m here for the Buckeyes. I’m not here for one coach or another. But it doesn’t change the fact that this situation feels wrong,” he said. “We deserve better.”
The fallout from Kelly’s decision was far from over. Ohio State now found itself at a crossroads, forced to recover not just from the loss of a prominent coach, but from the damage to its recruiting pipeline. The departure of Chip Kelly served as a reminder of the volatile nature of college football, where promises can be broken in the blink of an eye, and the ambitions of coaches can dramatically alter the course of a program.
For Jeremiah Smith, the journey had only just begun, but the shadow of Chip Kelly’s abrupt exit loomed large over the Buckeyes’ future.
