Chip Kelly’s return to the NFL as offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders didn’t go as planned. After a disappointing 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Raiders decided to part ways with him, leaving the team with a record of 2-9.
During his short tenure, the Raiders’ offense struggled significantly, averaging just 15 points per game—putting them at the bottom of the league. They also ranked near the bottom for total yards, with only 268.9 per game.
Before joining the Raiders, Kelly had a rocky six-year spell as the head coach at UCLA. This ended when he moved to Ohio State, where he found brief success, contributing to a national championship victory in 2024. Kelly was eager to make a mark in the NFL again, especially after receiving an invitation from Pete Carroll, the new head coach of the Raiders.
Carroll remembered Kelly from when they faced each other years ago—Kelly’s Oregon team handed USC its worst defeat during Carroll’s time as head coach. Carroll expressed excitement about Kelly but quickly realized he wasn’t the right fit for the job. His $6 million salary made Kelly the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL, but results didn’t follow.
Following his release, Kelly reflected, “I am grateful for the opportunity with the Raiders… we gotta win. I get it.” His focus was clear, but wins were elusive.
Looking ahead, it’s uncertain where Kelly will go next. A return to college football seems doubtful, especially since his exit from UCLA was abrupt and left the program in a tough spot. According to journalist Bill Plaschke, Kelly struggled to adapt to the modern college football landscape, with the increasing importance of NIL deals and the transfer portal. This shift made it challenging to connect with both players and recruits.
Moreover, recent surveys indicate that coaching changes can be a gamble. For instance, nearly 60% of teams that switch coaches mid-season struggle to find success the following year, highlighting the difficulties teams face in rebuilding their image and performance.
It’s a tough road ahead for Kelly, who faces both public scrutiny and professional uncertainty. Whether he can find another opportunity, either in college or the pros, remains to be seen.
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