Raiders Fire OC Chip Kelly, Highlighting Leadership Discord Under HC Pete Carroll
The Las Vegas Raiders are struggling significantly this season, particularly on offense. They are averaging just 15 points per game, tying them for the lowest in the NFL alongside the New Orleans Saints. This poor performance is compounded by their last-place ranking in yards per carry for the second consecutive season, with an average of 3.5 yards in 2025, slightly improving from 3.6 yards in 2024.
Leadership Discord Under Pete Carroll
The challenges faced by the Raiders aren’t solely due to offensive woes. Coach Pete Carroll, known for his win-now mentality at 74 years old, has fostered a leadership disconnect within the team. His choice of quarterback, Smith, leads the league with 13 interceptions, contributing to the overall struggles.
Draft Picks and Player Utilization
This inability to capitalize on draft investments has also raised eyebrows. Despite drafting several players, only a few have seen significant playing time. Raiders’ rookies have accumulated a total of 1,327 snaps on the field this season, ranking them as the 12th-fewest in the NFL. Notably, first-round running back Ashton Jeanty played 479 snaps, accounting for 36% of the total rookie snaps.
- Teams typically use weak seasons to evaluate new talent; the Raiders have not done this effectively.
- Other rookies have collectively contributed just 848 snaps on offense and defense.
Chip Kelly’s Coaching Experience
Recent events have led to the Raiders firing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Reports suggest that Kelly encountered issues with play-calling, including miscalls outside the established game plan. A 62-year-old coach with a rich history, including a notable stint at Ohio State in 2024, Kelly had hoped to implement a gun-based offense but faced restrictions imposed by Carroll.
Kelly’s staff consisted mainly of coaches closely linked to Carroll, which impeded effective collaboration on offensive strategies. This discord has culminated in a chaotic season for the Raiders, who now must navigate six remaining games with the hopes of returning to form.
Conclusion
With a mix of talent deficiency and leadership challenges, the Raiders’ road ahead appears rocky. As they shift gears in their coaching staff and strategize for the future, fans and analysts alike await to see how they address their ongoing issues.
