The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has sent shockwaves through the NFL. This move comes after just 11 games, despite Kelly being the highest-paid coordinator in the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: the Raiders’ performance on offense has been dismal, ranking near the bottom of the league.
The team’s recent loss to the Cleveland Browns, their fifth straight, sealed their fate. It marked the third consecutive losing season for the Raiders and the 17th since 2002.
A High-Profile Hiring, A Swift Exit
Chip Kelly’s arrival in Las Vegas was a big deal. He signed a lucrative contract this offseason, making him the richest offensive coordinator in football. However, the marriage between Kelly and the Raiders didn’t last long.
After an opening-week win against the AFC-leading New England Patriots, the Raiders’ fortunes took a turn. A home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 seemed to spark tension between Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll expressed his dissatisfaction with Kelly’s play-calling, saying, “I wish we would not have taken those shots. I don’t feel like that’s the way we should play.”
The numbers don’t lie. Through 11 games, the Raiders ranked 30th in the NFL in total offense, averaging a mere 269 yards per game. Their scoring output was even worse, ranking 31st with just 15.5 points per game. In his final game with the Raiders, quarterback Geno Smith was sacked a staggering 10 times, and the team managed a paltry 3.6 yards per play against the Browns.
So, what went wrong? Was it a matter of incompatible coaching styles? Or did the high expectations that came with Kelly’s big contract set the team up for disappointment?
These are the questions that NFL fans and analysts will be debating in the coming days. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, the biggest moves don’t always lead to the biggest successes.
What do you think? Was Chip Kelly’s firing justified, or did the Raiders make a mistake? Let us know in the comments!