The NFL coaching carousel continues to spin as Chip Kelly makes his return to the professional ranks after helping guide the Ohio State Buckeyes this past season as offensive coordinator.
Kelly, who built his reputation through successful stints at Oregon and UCLA, along with NFL experience leading the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, is marking his comeback to the league after nearly a decade away.
ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel reported that the Las Vegas Raiders have secured Kelly as their offensive coordinator.
He joins head coach Pete Carroll’s staff with the mission of revamping an offense that struggled mightily in 2024, finishing 29th in scoring.
“Back to the NFL: Former Eagles HC Chip Kelly is being hired as the Raiders offensive coordinator, per me and @PeteThamel.” Schefter shared on X.
Back to the NFL: Former Eagles HC Chip Kelly is being hired as the Raiders offensive coordinator, per me and @PeteThamel.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 2, 2025
While Kelly’s NFL return might not raise many eyebrows, his choice of the Raiders as his next destination caught the football world by surprise.
No previous rumors had connected Kelly to Las Vegas, with most speculation pointing elsewhere.
But Carroll, seeking a splash hire for his offensive staff, landed one of the biggest names available.
Given Kelly’s substantial salary at Ohio State, the Raiders likely had to make a significant financial commitment to bring him aboard.
Moreover, the task ahead for Kelly in Las Vegas is substantial.
The Raiders’ offense needs a complete overhaul, though they do have one bright spot in tight end Brock Bowers.
The franchise’s playoff drought looms large, they’ve made just two postseason appearances since their Super Bowl loss in 2002, failing to secure a win in either game.
While Kelly’s potential impact remains to be seen, the Raiders have assembled an experienced coaching staff ready to tackle the challenge of returning this historic franchise to prominence.
