Martin Jarmond has released a statement following Chip Kelly’s reported departure to Ohio State.

Kelly is expected to become the Buckeyes’ next offensive coordinator. Jarmond’s letter to the UCLA community confirmed Kelly’s departure. He also wrote that UCLA has already begun its national search to find its next head coach.

Here’s Jarmond’s letter in-full:

Earlier this morning, Coach Chip Kelly informed me of his decision to depart UCLA.

I want to sincerely thank Chip for his service to UCLA Football and our student-athletes across the past six seasons and wish the best to him and Jill moving forward.

A national search for the next head coach of UCLA Football has already begun. As we continue preparation for our move to the Big Ten Conference later this year, it is imperative that we have the right leader in place to position the program to compete at the highest level for our student-athletes, fans and university. We are confident we will find a leader who develops young men on and off the field and embodies our True Bruin Values.

We understand the importance of the timing of this search and will heed the advice of Coach Wooden, to be quick but not to hurry.

We appreciate the tremendous support we receive from our fans and alumni. Now more than ever, we need our Bruin Family to step up and support our student-athletes by coming to the Rose Bowl for our games and providing NIL opportunities through our official marketplace or collective.

We are excited about the future of UCLA Football. Go Bruins!

Martin

Kelly spent 6 years at UCLA. The Bruins went 35-34 overall and 26-26 in Pac-12 play with Kelly at the helm.

UCLA’s potential list of candidates to replace Kelly could include names such as D’Anton Lynn, PJ Fleck, David Shaw, Eric Bieniemy and Tony White, amongst others.