Overview
- Head coach David Braun introduced Kelly on Feb. 4 in Evanston, marking Kelly’s first public remarks since accepting the role in December.
- Northwestern finalized key offensive hires by naming Jerry Neuheisel quarterbacks coach and adding Tim Drevno and Bob Bicknell to oversee the line and tight ends.
- Kelly has focused his first month on transfer-portal work and high-school visits, which Braun says have already increased player interest in the Wildcats.
- The coordinator plans to assess the roster through spring practices and fit the scheme to personnel after a 2025 season that ranked 96th nationally in scoring and total offense.
- Kelly arrives with major college credentials, including Oregon success and Ohio State’s 2024 title, after his Raiders offensive coordinator tenure ended with a November firing, as Northwestern eyes momentum ahead of the $862 million Ryan Field debut on Oct. 2 vs. Penn State.