What's happened
The Las Vegas Raiders dismissed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after a 2-9 start to the season, citing offensive struggles and poor results. Kelly, who joined the team this season, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. The decision follows ongoing team struggles and a recent loss to Cleveland.
What's behind the headline?
Kelly's firing highlights the Raiders' ongoing offensive struggles, which have been evident throughout the season. The team’s ranking at the bottom in points and yards indicates systemic issues, including poor offensive line performance and ineffective play calling. Kelly's departure, after just 11 games, underscores the high stakes of NFL coaching, where even high-paid coordinators are quickly replaced when results falter. The decision also reflects the team's broader effort to rebuild and improve performance, with interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson stepping in. This move signals a potential shift in offensive strategy and coaching stability, but the season's poor results suggest significant challenges ahead. The Raiders' future success will depend on whether they can stabilize their offense and develop consistent game plans.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Kelly was dismissed after a 2-9 start, citing poor offensive output and a recent loss to Cleveland where the team was sacked 10 times. The article notes Kelly's high salary and previous success at Ohio State, contrasting with the team's struggles this season. AP News confirms Kelly's dismissal occurred shortly after the loss, emphasizing the team's offensive failures. The Post also highlights that Kelly expressed gratitude for his time with the Raiders, despite the poor results. The coverage from multiple sources underscores the high-pressure environment of NFL coaching, where even experienced coordinators are quickly replaced when team performance declines. The articles collectively portray a team in turmoil, seeking stability and improvement amid a difficult season.
How we got here
Chip Kelly was hired as offensive coordinator for the Raiders after leaving Ohio State, with a contract reportedly worth $6 million. The team has struggled offensively, ranking last in points per game and near the bottom in yards. Kelly's firing follows a series of poor performances, including a loss to Cleveland where the offense was sacked 10 times. The Raiders have also fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon earlier this month, reflecting broader coaching instability amid a 2-9 record.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Raiders compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference West division.
-
Charles Edward Kelly (born November 25, 1963) is an American professional football coach who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He came to prominence as a college football...
-
Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III is an American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia, leading the Mountaineers to multiple bowl games, breaking numerous passing records, an
-
Peter Clay Carroll (born September 15, 1951) is an American professional football coach who is the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as head coach for USC (2001–2009), the New York Jets (199
-
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League as a member club of the American Football Conference North division.