Chip Kelly describes what makes Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel 'special' and why he recruited him at UCLA
If Chip Kelly had it his way, he'd be coaching Dillon Gabriel at UCLA still. At least, that was Kelly's original plan before his tenure with the Bruins came to an end, and he arrived at Ohio State as the offensive coordinator. Much has changed for Kelly and Gabriel since 2019, leading to this historic […]
If Chip Kelly had it his way, he'd be coaching Dillon Gabriel at UCLA still. At least, that was Kelly's original plan before his tenure with the Bruins came to an end, and he arrived at Ohio State as the offensive coordinator. Much has changed for Kelly and Gabriel since 2019, leading to this historic Rose Bowl moment.
For a brief few weeks, Kelly got his way as Gabriel committed to UCLA after leaving UCF, but he changed his mind and bolted to Oklahoma. This week, Kelly addressed what interested him in the left-handed passer and where Gabriel's career has gone.
Gabriel led the Ducks to an undefeated 13-0 season and secured the Big Ten title, amassing 3,558 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a completion rate of 73.2%. Additionally, he contributed 192 rushing yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns this season.
In discussing the upcoming matchup, Kelly highlighted what sets Gabriel apart as a quarterback and emphasized that Ohio State will face a significant challenge against Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
“Yeah, I’m not surprised at the success Dillon has had,” Kelly said. “You know, you could see it when he was at Mililani in Hawaii in high school, and then watching what he did at Central Florida didn’t surprise me, the success he had at Oklahoma, nor the success he’s had at Oregon. He’s extremely accurate. I think he’s really calm. There’s a poise about him that I think is kind of special for the quarterback position.
“Doesn’t seem to get rattled too much, really has a true understanding of what they want to get accomplished there and it’s also really athletic so that if you do take away some of his options from a throw standpoint, he can beat you with his legs so I think he’s he’s the complete package. And one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”
Kelly rose to prominence as the head coach of the University of Oregon (2009–2012), where he revolutionized college football with his up-tempo, spread offense. Under Kelly, Oregon won three Pac-12 titles and appeared in four consecutive BCS bowl games, including the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.
Kelly's system emphasized speed and efficiency, producing prolific scoring offenses and redefining player conditioning. During his tenure at Oregon, standout players were developed, and the Ducks were established as a national powerhouse.
In 2018, Kelly returned to the collegiate ranks as head coach of UCLA, where he faced the challenge of rebuilding the program. He finished 35-34 after six years before resigning to take the Buckeyes' offensive coordinator role.
