The Raiders have fired two coordinators this month, including OC Chip Kelly. His transient Vegas tenure fell well in need of expectations to say the least.
Despite giving Kelly $6MM per yr to return to the NFL, the Raiders moved on within the immediate aftermath of a dismal loss against the Browns in Week 12. The team is tied for last within the NFL in scoring (15 points per game) and finding success on the bottom has been a significant challenge despite the presence of sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty. Further details have emerged regarding the dynamic between Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll.
Many expected Kelly to receive an extended leash by way of handling the offense considering his contract and his track record on the NFL and college levels. As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network writes, nonetheless, Vegas’ offense in 2025 has been far different than any unit Kelly has led before. That’s an illustration of the influence Carroll has yielded during his first yr with the Raiders.
Per Rapoport, Kelly was “miffed” on the extent to which Carroll was “heavy-handed” together with his role in directing the offense. Much of Vegas’ attack, opposing defensive coordinators have observed, has closely resembled what was in place during Carroll’s final season in Seattle. The Super Bowl-winning coach carrying over elements of his Seahawks schemes was at all times expected when he took the Raiders gig, but things have definitely not gone in accordance with plan to this point.
Trade acquisition Geno Smith reunited with Carroll this offseason. He has thrown an NFL-worst 13 interceptions, leading largely to the 35-year-old posting a lower passer rating than any of his five Seahawks campaign. The approaching Raiders offseason will once more be dominated by questions on the quarterback position. There may be also a probability Carroll’s tenure may very well be doubtful even after one yr in place.
Minority owner Tom Brady – well-known to be a significant voice within the Raiders’ decision-making – reportedly played a number one role within the Kelly hire. It is going to be interesting to see how Brady, owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek proceed with respect to Carroll’s status. That, in turn, will largely determine the team’s offensive coordinator for 2026.
Greg Olson will handle play-calling duties for the rest of the season, one through which the Raiders can be expected (given their 2-9 record) to increasingly turn their attention to developing younger players. Largely speaking, that has not been the case to this point with rookies apart from Jeanty yet to receive major workloads. Rapoport notes there was a “disconnect” based on Carroll’s mandate to compete immediately and the fact of where Vegas stands by way of talent on the roster.
The Raiders have lost five straight games, they usually are among the many teams which may very well be eliminated from playoff contention tomorrow. Moving forward, how (or if) Vegas manages to rebound on offense – together with Carroll’s impact in that regard – might be a storyline price following.