The Las Vegas Raiders have made a decisive move following a string of disappointing performances, particularly on offense. The team announced the dismissal of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly on Sunday, November 23, shortly after suffering a 24-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns, a game that saw the Raiders’ offensive line allow a staggering 10 sacks.
Raiders coach Pete Carroll confirmed the decision in a statement, expressing gratitude for Kelly’s contributions and wishing him well in future endeavors. Kelly, who previously served as the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, was brought on board in February with a lucrative contract that made him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL, reportedly earning $6 million per year.
Despite lofty expectations, the Raiders’ offense struggled under Kelly’s leadership, averaging a mere 3.6 yards per play in the recent loss, which left the team with a disheartening 2-9 record for the season. Quarterback Geno Smith faced relentless pressure, being hurried on 23 dropbacks—a season-high—highlighting the offensive line’s difficulties against the Browns’ pass rush. The previous best for Cleveland was 15 pressures in a single game, showcasing the intensity of the Raiders’ struggles.
Carroll addressed the performance in a postgame news conference, emphasizing the importance of scoring to secure victories. “If you don’t score, you can’t win,” he noted. The coach acknowledged missed opportunities for significant plays and the continuous pressure on the quarterback, stating that the team failed to effectively counter the Browns’ defensive efforts.
This marks the second significant coaching change for the Raiders in just weeks, as they also parted ways with special teams coordinator Tom McMahon following a previous loss to the Denver Broncos. The team is now looking for a turnaround in their remaining games, hoping that new leadership can translate into improved performance on the field.