Recent POST
Chip Kelly’s return to the NFL ended in abrupt fashion — just nine months and nineteen days after he was hired. On November 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Kelly as offensive coordinator, citing a dismal 2-9 record through eleven games of the 2025 NFL regular season. The decision, made at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, came after a season marked by offensive stagnation, missed opportunities, and growing frustration among fans and front office staff alike. Kelly, whose full name is Christopher James Kelly, is now out of a job — again.
A Familiar Pattern of Early Exit
This isn’t the first time Kelly’s been shown the door mid-season. Back in 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles fired him with a 6-9 record, just before the final game of the season. At the time, owner Jeffrey Lurie cited a need for "new direction," a phrase that echoes now. Kelly’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers lasted only one year, ending in 2016 after a 2-14 campaign. And before that, his college run at UCLA ended on a sour note — two straight 0-3 starts in 2018 and 2019, including a brutal 45-10 loss to Oklahoma in Norman. The pattern? High expectations, rapid decline, and a quick exit.
How It All Unfolded in 2025
Pete Carroll, hired as head coach on January 15, 2025, brought Kelly aboard on February 4, 2025 — a move that raised eyebrows. Carroll, known for his defensive acumen and player development, paired with Kelly, the architect of Oregon’s high-octane spread offense, seemed like an odd fit from the start. The Raiders’ offense ranked 31st in the league in yards per game, averaging just 287.3 yards. They scored 17 or fewer points in seven of their nine losses. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (who started 8 games) threw 14 interceptions and just 10 touchdowns. The running game, once a strength, sputtered to 3.9 yards per carry — the worst in the AFC West.
The losses piled up: a 31-10 home defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. A 24-17 collapse against the Atlanta Falcons. A 27-20 overtime loss to the New York Jets — a team that entered the game with a 1-8 record. Even the wins were ugly: a 20-17 squeaker over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, and a 19-17 thriller against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where the Raiders’ offense managed just 232 total yards.
Why This Matters Beyond Las Vegas
Kelly’s firing is more than a personnel change — it’s a statement. The Raiders, under owner Mark Davis, have spent the last five years oscillating between reckless spending and poor coaching hires. This season’s offensive collapse was the final straw. Fans who once hoped Kelly’s system would unlock the potential of young receivers like Zay Jones and Antonio Gibson are now questioning whether the franchise has a coherent offensive philosophy at all.
And the ripple effects? Other teams watching closely. The New England Patriots and Chicago Bears are reportedly scouting offensive coordinators. Kelly’s name won’t be on any shortlists anytime soon. His last stop — a 12-day stint as offensive coordinator at Ohio State — ended when he jumped ship for Las Vegas. Now, he’s out of coaching entirely. For a man who once revolutionized college football with Oregon’s tempo-based attack, it’s a quiet, unexpected fall.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
As of November 24, 2025, the Raiders have not named a replacement. Sources suggest interim offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who served as quarterbacks coach under Carroll in Seattle, will call plays for the remainder of the season. Dorsey, a former NFL QB and longtime assistant, brings structure over flash — a stark contrast to Kelly’s free-wheeling style. Carroll, who publicly praised Kelly’s "energy and preparation" just weeks ago, has gone silent since the firing. He’s now reportedly interviewing candidates with defensive backgrounds — a sign the team may be pivoting toward a ball-control, defense-first identity.
For the Raiders, the 2025 season is already a write-off. But the real question is: Can they rebuild trust with fans — and find a coach who actually fits the roster? Or will they keep chasing the next big name, only to end up right back here again?
Behind the Numbers: Kelly’s Coaching Timeline
- 2009–2012: Head coach, Oregon Ducks — 46-7 record, two Pac-12 titles
- 2013–2015: Head coach, Philadelphia Eagles — 20-28 record, fired mid-season
- 2016: Head coach, San Francisco 49ers — 2-14 record
- 2018–2023: Head coach, UCLA Bruins — 32-41 record, two 0-3 starts
- January–February 2024: Offensive coordinator, Ohio State — 12 days
- February–November 2025: Offensive coordinator, Las Vegas Raiders — 2-9 record, fired
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chip Kelly fired after only nine months?
The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense ranked 31st in the NFL in total yards and 30th in points per game during the 2025 season. Despite high expectations, Kelly’s system failed to adapt to the roster’s personnel, and the team lost nine of eleven games by an average margin of 14.3 points. The front office concluded the offense was holding back the team’s defensive strengths, and the 2-9 record left no room for patience.
Has Kelly ever been fired mid-season before?
Yes. Kelly was dismissed by the Philadelphia Eagles on December 29, 2015, with a 6-9 record, just before the final game of the season. That was his first mid-season firing. His 2025 dismissal by the Raiders marks his second in the NFL and third overall in his coaching career, following his abrupt departure from UCLA after the 2023 season.
Who might replace Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator?
Interim coordinator Ken Dorsey, a longtime assistant under Pete Carroll, is currently calling plays. The Raiders are reportedly interviewing candidates with conservative, run-first philosophies — including former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing and former Broncos offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. No formal announcement has been made as of November 25, 2025.
What does this mean for Pete Carroll’s future with the Raiders?
Carroll’s job security is now under scrutiny. While he’s still respected for his defensive leadership, the Raiders’ offense has been a consistent failure since his arrival. With no playoff path in 2025 and a 2-9 record, pressure is mounting. If the team finishes 4-13, it’s unlikely Carroll will return for 2026 — especially if ownership believes a complete offensive rebuild is needed.
Is Chip Kelly done coaching?
Not necessarily — but his reputation has taken a hit. At 59, he’s still respected for his innovative college systems. However, his inability to adapt to the NFL’s evolving defenses and roster constraints has made him a risky hire. He may land a college job in 2026, but NFL teams are unlikely to trust him with play-calling again. His legacy now rests on his Oregon years, not his recent stints.
How does this compare to other coaching firings in NFL history?
While mid-season coordinator firings aren’t rare, Kelly’s case stands out for its speed. Most coordinators get at least a full season. Only two others in the last 20 years — Mike Shanahan’s 2008 Washington staff and Sean McVay’s 2018 Rams staff — were replaced after fewer than ten games. Kelly’s firing ranks among the fastest for an offensive coordinator since the 1990s, underscoring how desperate the Raiders have become.