Northwestern RB Opens Up About Learning Chip Kelly’s Wing-T Offense

When Chip Kelly first introduced Northwestern’s Wing-T offense, the reaction from players was not exactly excitement. For running back Joseph Himon II, the new system brought plenty of confusion, unfamiliar responsibilities and a learning curve that took time to overcome.

Speaking with ESPN senior NFL writer Kalyn Kahler, Himon reflected on the team’s initial reaction when Kelly introduced the Wing-T, admitting that players were unsure about what they were being asked to do.

“At first we were all kinda like, man, what are we doing? Because that’s not a system that a lot of us have been in before,” Himon said.

The Wing-T is built around motion, misdirection and multiple potential ball carriers, making it a significant change from the offensive systems many players had previously experienced.

With players constantly shifting positions and different options available on each play, learning the timing and responsibilities required plenty of repetition.

However, what initially created confusion has become one of the most exciting parts of Northwestern’s offense.

Himon explained that once the players began getting more comfortable with the package and executing it during games, they started to understand just how difficult it could be for opposing defenses.

“I think the excitement with getting our reps in with the Wing-T and then going out and executing that because it gives the defense so much problems,” Himon said. “They don’t know where the ball is, they don’t know who’s back there.”

That uncertainty is exactly what Kelly wants to create. By using different formations, pre-snap movement and misdirection, Northwestern can make defenses account for multiple possibilities before the ball is even snapped. 

Defenders have to identify the formation, recognize the motion and determine who might actually receive the handoff. One wrong read can leave a major opening for the Wildcats to take advantage of.

Kelly’s creativity has become a defining part of Northwestern’s offensive identity this season. Rather than relying on one traditional approach, he has built a system that uses the strengths of his personnel and gives the Wildcats several different ways to attack opposing defenses.

The Wing-T is just one example. Kelly has also incorporated unique formations, wide receiver alignments and different types of motion to keep opponents guessing. The variety forces defensive coordinators to prepare for more than a conventional rushing or passing attack.

What makes the system especially effective is that Northwestern’s players are beginning to embrace it. The early confusion has turned into confidence as they continue to get repetitions and understand how each piece fits together. 

For Himon and the other running backs, the system creates opportunities to make plays while keeping defenses uncertain about where the football is going.

Kelly’s approach also demonstrates why his reputation as an offensive mind has followed him throughout his coaching career. He is willing to look beyond conventional formations and find creative ways to put his players in positions to succeed. 

It is not simply about drawing up unusual plays. It is about making those plays work with the personnel available and giving opponents something they rarely see.

For Northwestern, that creativity has helped transform the offense into a much more unpredictable unit. As the Wildcats continue through their Big Ten schedule, the Wing-T and Kelly’s other offensive wrinkles could remain important weapons.

What began with players wondering what they were doing has developed into something they can execute with confidence. And as Himon explained, the excitement comes from seeing that preparation translate onto the field and watching opposing defenses struggle to figure out what is coming next.