Raiders fire OC Kelly after disappointing 2-9 start and underwhelming offensive performance

The Las Vegas Raiders have fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after a disappointing 2-9 start to the season.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the ongoing struggles of the Raiders' offense, which has consistently ranked among the worst in the league this season.

• Entering Week 12, the Raiders were 30th in points per game (15.5), total yards (269), and rushing yards (81.4).
• The team’s inefficiency was highlighted by their failure to score more than 10 points in four games, the most in the NFL.

What’s new: Pete Carroll, the Raiders’ first-year head coach, announced Kelly's release following a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, marking just 10 games into Kelly's tenure.

• Carroll stated, "I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders. I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future."

By the numbers: Under Kelly's leadership, quarterback Geno Smith struggled significantly.

• He recorded 2,367 passing yards with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13 to 13.
• Smith's completion rate stood at 66.6%, yet he posted a passer rating of just 82.4, ranking 29th in the league.

Yes, but: While injuries have hampered the Raiders’ performance, they have also exposed deeper issues within the offensive scheme.

• Key players such as All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers missed three games due to injury, while starting left tackle Kolton Miller and right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson are currently on injured reserve.
• Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, despite scoring eight touchdowns, has averaged only 3.6 yards per carry, indicating challenges in both running and passing games.

What’s next: With Kelly gone, the Raiders will need to quickly identify a replacement who can revitalize the struggling offense.

• This marks the second consecutive year that the Raiders have parted ways with an offensive coordinator midseason, raising questions about the team's strategic direction moving forward.
• How the new coordinator adapts the scheme could be pivotal for the remaining games of the season.

The bottom line: The firing of Chip Kelly underscores the urgency within the Raiders organization to turn around a season that has fallen short of expectations, while also highlighting the need for stability in coaching as they seek to build a competitive roster.