The Las Vegas Raiders have parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly following a disappointing 24-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns. The announcement was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
In a statement to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Kelly expressed gratitude for his time with the Raiders, emphasizing the need for success in the NFL. “I really loved those players; I’m a huge, huge Geno Smith fan,” Kelly said, highlighting his enjoyment of working closely with the team. However, he acknowledged the imperative of winning in the league.
This move marks the second midseason firing for the Raiders, who earlier dismissed special teams coordinator Tom McMahon amid a challenging 2-9 season. Kelly, who was the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL at $6 million per season, faced mounting pressure as the Raiders’ offensive performance fell short of expectations.
Despite having talented players like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ offense has struggled significantly. In the recent loss to Cleveland, the team was held to a mere 10 points and just 268 total yards, with Smith suffering 10 sacks and being forced into turning the ball over.
The Raiders have frequently been unable to find the end zone, scoring 16 points or fewer in four of their last five games. The receiving corps has shown minimal talent, and the offensive line has faced numerous challenges throughout the season. Smith, in particular, has endured a tough year, with 13 touchdown passes and an equal number of interceptions.
Kelly’s play-calling decisions have also come under scrutiny. Despite Jeanty’s capabilities, he has only surpassed 100 rushing yards once this season. Bowers has had limited opportunities, recording only two games with over 100 receiving yards and two with double-digit targets, partly due to injuries.
Head coach Pete Carroll hinted at dissatisfaction with the offensive strategy earlier in October, stressing the need for a balanced attack and better utilization of the running game.
The Raiders’ decision to make a change at the offensive coordinator position reflects their determination to turn the season around. With the talent available on their roster, there is still hope that the team can find a more effective way to harness its players’ abilities and achieve better results in the remaining games.