Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement as Chip Kelly makes his return to the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders have officially hired Kelly as their new offensive coordinator, aiming to revitalize an offense that struggled during the 2024 season, ranking just 29th in scoring. As reported, the team’s leadership believes that Kelly’s extensive experience will be invaluable in turning things around.
Kelly’s coaching journey has seen him making a name at both collegiate and professional levels. He recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, helping lead them to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Before this stint, Kelly was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 and the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013 to 2015. In Philadelphia, he saw initial success, winning 10 games in his first two seasons. However, his time there was marked by the departure of star players like DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, which affected team morale.
After a challenging year in San Francisco, where he led the team to a 2-14 record, Kelly took a break from the NFL and became the head coach at UCLA between 2018 and 2023. He notably turned the program around, leading the team to three consecutive seasons of at least eight wins. His success with his last college job set the stage for his return to the NFL, helping him secure the coordinator role at Ohio State.
With Kelly at the helm, Ohio State achieved an impressive 14-2 record and averaged 36.3 points in their playoff victories, ultimately winning the championship. This significant success has solidified his status as a brilliant offensive mind, making him a sought-after asset for teams looking to improve their scoring capabilities.
Now rejoining the NFL, Kelly faces the challenge of revitalizing a Raiders offense that has not won a playoff game since 2002. The franchise has only made two playoff appearances in that time, highlighting the urgent need for change. Head coach Pete Carroll and the Raiders believe Kelly is the right person to tackle this job. As they move forward, all eyes will be on how Kelly addresses the varied issues across the offensive lineup, except for tight end, where Brock Bowers shines as a key player.
As the NFL gears up for another season, the ramifications of this hiring could set the tone for both the Raiders and their competitors in the AFC West, marking the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry within the division.
