UCLA coach Chip Kelly walks on the sideline during a win over Hawaii in August. The Bruins open their spring practice sessions Tuesday. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
Chip Kelly’s back!
Depending on one’s perspective, that statement might prompt either the flashing of a thumbs-up or a less wholesome digit.
The happy-he’s-back camp can point to the usual talking points involving the UCLA football coach. There’s the upward trajectory, Kelly earning a new four-year contract after the Bruins’ record improved from 3-9 to 4-8 to 3-4 to 8-4. There’s the quality imports who have made Kelly a king of the transfer portal. There’s that high-octane offense.
The detractors just sigh. You call that improvement? Kelly had nowhere to go but up after posting a 7-17 record through his first two seasons. He has brought in so many transfers mostly because his high school recruiting has lagged. And have you seen the defense?
A showdown against nationally ranked North Carolina State in the…