LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Raiders have fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly just 11 games into his first season with the team, following a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday that left the Raiders at 2-9 on the season.
Team owner and first-year coach Pete Carroll confirmed the move in a statement, saying, “I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders. I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future.” Carroll did not announce a replacement.
Offensive Struggles
Las Vegas ranks near the bottom of the NFL offensively:
- Points per game: 15.0 (tied for last)
- Total yards per game: 268.9 (30th)
- Rushing yards per game: 79.5 (31st)
- Offensive EPA: -77.8 (30th)
- Red zone efficiency: 48.1% (28th)
The Raiders have scored fewer than 10 points in four games, the most in the league.
Kelly reflected on his time with the Raiders, telling NFL reporter Jay Glazer, “I am grateful for the opportunity with the Raiders; bottom line in this league you have to win. I really loved those players. I’m a huge, huge Geno Smith fan. That was one of the best parts of this experience for me, working with Geno and those guys every day. But hey, we gotta win. I get it.”
A Second Staff Shake-Up
This marks the second major staff change for Carroll this season. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was let go on Nov. 7.
Kelly joined the Raiders after helping Ohio State win a national title as its offensive coordinator last season. The 61-year-old coach, reportedly earning around $6 million per year, was expected to turn around an offense that struggled last year. However, the team’s plan failed to materialize.
Player Performance Under Kelly
Quarterback Geno Smith has endured one of the league’s toughest seasons:
- 2,367 passing yards
- 13 touchdowns, 13 interceptions
- 66.6% completion rate
- 29th in passer rating (82.4)
- 32nd in QBR (29.2)
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has eight total touchdowns but averages only 3.6 yards per carry.
Injuries have also plagued the team this season:
- Brock Bowers (All-Pro TE): missed three games, knee injury
- Kolton Miller (LT): IR with high ankle sprain, hairline fracture
- Jackson Powers-Johnson (RG): IR with ankle injury
Midseason Coordinator Firings a Pattern
The Raiders have now fired an offensive coordinator midseason for the second consecutive year. In 2024, Luke Getsy was let go after nine games, with Scott Turner stepping in as interim under then-coach Antonio Pierce.
