The Las Vegas Raiders have fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, ending his high-profile return to the NFL after just 11 games, according to multiple reports. Kelly, who arrived from Ohio State, was the highest-paid coordinator in the league with a deal averaging $6 million per season, but the team’s offense never came close to expectations.
This marks the second major coaching change in less than a month for Las Vegas. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was dismissed earlier in November following a 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Raiders made aggressive moves during the offseason, including acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith and selecting running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round. Despite these investments, the offense consistently stumbled, producing 16 points or fewer in four of the last five games, all ending in defeat.
Kelly was hired in the offseason after leading Ohio State to a national title, joining head coach Pete Carroll, who returned to the sidelines after retirement. Their partnership was expected to spark a revival, but the Raiders’ offense has remained among the league’s worst. According to the NFL’s official statistics database (hyperlink: NFL official site), Las Vegas entered Week 12 ranking third-worst in yards per game (269) and averaging just 15.5 points.
Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns sealed Kelly’s fate. Smith threw for 285 yards with one touchdown, but the Browns overwhelmed Las Vegas with 10 sacks, exposing an offensive line that has struggled throughout the season. Smith has now been sacked 31 times, one of the highest totals in the league.
Despite the addition of Jeanty, the Raiders mustered only 81.4 rushing yards per game, a number that surely contributed to growing frustration within the organization. Owner Mark Davis and team leadership ultimately decided to part ways with Kelly before the season’s end.
The Las Vegas Raiders organization (hyperlink: Raiders official website) has not yet announced who will take over play-calling duties for the remainder of the year. At 2-9, Carroll’s first season back has been far from the rejuvenation many hoped for, leaving the franchise searching for answers as another disappointing year unfolds.
