Columbus, Ohio - Ohio State's newly appointed offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien, is reportedly one of the final contenders for the head coaching position at Boston College football, but who will replace him if he leaves?

According to Football Scoop, he's facing off against Al Washington, a Notre Dame defensive coach and Boston College alum, in the competition for the role.

Despite Washington's ties to the school, O'Brien's vast coaching experience, both in college football and the NFL, gives him a clear edge in the race to many of the college football world.

If O'Brien does secure the position, it would mean Ohio State needs to swiftly find a replacement for their offensive coordinator role.

While head coach Ryan Day could potentially step in as the team's former play-caller, he's expressed a desire to focus on his overall coaching duties rather than play-calling.

With O'Brien possibly out of Columbus as soon as Friday, Ohio State must be ready to actively start searching for a new coordinator. As the team's spring game is scheduled for April 13, having an offensive coordinator in place is be crucial for the team.

It would allow them to showcase any new offensive strategies and adjustments to fans and, more importantly, coaches and players alike, providing a preview of what to expect in the upcoming season.

Chip Kelly, the current head coach at UCLA, is emerging as a strong candidate to fill the vacant offensive coordinator position at Ohio State, following O'Brien's departure.

Reports suggest that Kelly, who has been linked to various NFL and college football coaching roles, is considering leaving the Bruins.

What many fans might not realize is that Kelly has a deep connection to Ohio State's offensive system. This connection stems from his mentoring of Coach Day during their time together at New Hampshire, where Day began his college football journey under Kelly's guidance.

Their professional paths intersected again when Day joined Kelly's staff with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 and later with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.

Adding to the potential reunion is the fact that Justin Frye, currently coaching the offensive line at Ohio State, previously served as Kelly's offensive coordinator at UCLA. If Kelly were to join Ohio State, it would mark a full-circle moment, reuniting mentor and protégé in a coaching partnership that aligns with their shared play style and philosophy.

This reunion could offer the Buckeyes a seamless transition and a potent offensive strategy under Day's leadership.