Football: Braun calls Kelly’s offensive staff ‘the best’ in college football as Northwestern preps for Big Ten gauntlet

Northwestern University has appointed Chip Kelly as its new offensive coordinator, a move that head coach David Braun believes will attract top recruits by offering them an opportunity to work with an elite coaching staff. Despite a challenging 2026 schedule, which includes hosting Penn State and traveling to Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State, Braun remains optimistic about competing for the Big Ten title. The Wildcats have reinforced their coaching lineup with three additional coaches who have previously worked under Kelly, heralding them as part of the "best offensive staff in all of college football."

In the offseason, Northwestern signed 21 players from the high school class of 2026 and added 16 transfers to their roster. With the evolving landscape of college football recruitment, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and revenue sharing, Braun emphasized the importance of maintaining the program's integrity. General Manager Christian Sarkisian and Athletic Director Mark Jackson have been instrumental in helping the team remain competitive.

Kelly, known for his strategic