Given the time and circumstances, Sean McVay’s announcement of his resignation as head coach of Rams football in lieu of a promotion to offensive coordinator at Ohio State was stunning and unusual in college football history. This is the ultimate checkmate in a Bruins offseason that has already produced more drama than the most alluring reality TV in Hollywood. Too much to sort through:

Over the past month, there has been a significant shift within the UCLA sports department. Given his end-of-year media appearances and Martin Jarmond’s hesitant support for “continuity,” Kelly went from being obstinately confident that he would be back on the sidelines in 2024 to a coach who is actively and aggressively seeking work.

This month, there has either been a renewed alignment with the boosters over a readiness to spend with greater seriousness financially for success in 2024 and beyond, or he has reaffirmed his commitment to stay at UCLA for the long run after numerous rumors around the program of his desire for another job.

In any case, Chip Kelly’s departure was expedited by his apparent realization heading into the season that he was a lame duck and by his inability to recruit, raise money, and interact with boosters.. However, something within the company underwent a seismic shift recently; if it hadn’t, UCLA should have pursued Jonathan Smith and Jedd Fisch far more assiduously.