Raiders Fire Chip Kelly: A Season of Offensive Struggle and Coaching Changes
In a season marked by disappointing offensive performances, the Las Vegas Raiders have parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, according to multiple reports. This marks the second coordinator dismissal for the team in just three weeks, following special teams coordinator Tom McMahon’s firing after a narrow loss to the Denver Broncos on November 6. The pattern of coaching changes reflects the organization’s growing frustration with a team that has failed to meet expectations despite significant offseason investments.
Kelly, who joined the Raiders after winning a national championship with Ohio State, had been brought in as part of an ambitious offensive overhaul under returning head coach Pete Carroll. His contract, worth an average of $6 million per season, made him the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL—a reflection of the team’s commitment to transforming their offensive capabilities. The Raiders further demonstrated this commitment by trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and using their first-round draft pick on promising running back Ashton Jeanty. Despite these strategic moves designed to breathe new life into the Raiders’ offense, the results have been consistently disappointing.
The final straw came after Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, where the Raiders’ offensive struggles were on full display. Though Smith managed 285 yards on 30-of-44 passing with one touchdown to Jeanty, the team has now scored 16 points or fewer in four of their last five games—all losses. Before Sunday’s game, Las Vegas ranked among the league’s worst offenses, sitting third-worst in both yards per game (269) and points per game (15.5). The rushing attack, which was supposed to be bolstered by first-round pick Jeanty, has managed a mere 81.4 yards per game, contributing to the team’s overall offensive stagnation.
Perhaps most concerning has been the offensive line’s inability to protect their quarterback. Smith has faced relentless pressure throughout the season, having been sacked 31 times before the Cleveland game—a number that increased dramatically after the Browns recorded 10 sacks in Sunday’s contest. Only Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has endured more sacks this season with 45. This consistent breakdown in protection has made it virtually impossible for the Raiders to establish any rhythm or consistency on offense, ultimately leading to Kelly’s dismissal before completing even one full season with the team.
While the Raiders have not yet announced who will take over the offensive play-calling duties for the remainder of the season, the challenge ahead is substantial. At 2-9, the team’s hopes for a competitive season have largely evaporated, leaving them to regroup and potentially rethink their approach moving forward. For Pete Carroll, who came out of retirement to coach the Raiders, the season has unfolded in ways few could have predicted, with his reputation for building competitive teams yet to translate in Las Vegas.
The firing of Chip Kelly represents more than just a staffing change; it symbolizes the Raiders’ acknowledgment that their offensive vision for the 2023-24 season has failed to materialize despite substantial investment in coaching and player personnel. As the organization looks toward the future, questions will inevitably arise about the team’s direction, Carroll’s future with the franchise, and how they plan to address the fundamental issues that have plagued their offense throughout this disappointing campaign. For a franchise and fanbase that entered the season with renewed optimism, the reality has proven to be a harsh reminder of the challenges inherent in building a competitive NFL team, even with experienced leadership and considerable resources at their disposal.
