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UCLA football: Top 5 head coaching candidates who could replace Chip Kelly

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks onto the field during the first half against the San Diego State Aztecs at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are reports surfacing that Chip Kelly is “likely” to be fired as UCLA football coach after the USC game, win or lose, and that means there will be a coaching search in Los Angeles.

The next head coach will be taking over a program in its first year in the Big Ten, if these reports are true.

These are the five early names that I think the Bruins should consider as Kelly’s replacement.

5. Ryan Grubb, Washington offensive coordinator

If you’ve been paying attention — which, if you’re a UCLA fan, you have to be — Washington has one of the best offenses in college football and has for the past two years.

Three years ago, Ryan Grubb was not in charge of the offense, the new staff wasn’t in place, and the Huskies had one of the worst offenses in the Power Five. All Grubb has done is help turn around Michael Penix Jr.’s college career, turning him into a Heisman favorite while playing to the strengths of his offense.

While this is a pass-heavy offense, we’ve seen him utilize more of a balanced attack in recent games and he looks like one of the brightest offensive coordinators in the country.

Grubb is a name that’s been talked about quite a bit and he would be a great hire for the Bruins, especially since he’s from Big Ten country (born in Iowa) and that could give them a slight advantage when they make the move to their new conference in 2024.

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