Raiders Fire Chip Kelly as 2025 Season Collapses — Full Breakdown
The Las Vegas Raiders made one of the biggest coaching moves of the 2025 NFL season when they announced the decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after an 11-game stretch filled with offensive failures, internal tension, and constant scrutiny. The firing of Chip Kelly, once considered one of the league’s highest-paid and most innovative coordinators, has become the defining story of the Raiders’ season.
This article breaks down why Chip Kelly was fired, how the Raiders arrived at this point, what led to the collapse of their offense, and what it means for head coach Pete Carroll, rookie players, veterans—including Geno Smith—and the organization’s future.
Why the Raiders Fired Chip Kelly
Chip Kelly’s firing was not a sudden decision. It was the result of weeks of downward momentum, on-field inefficiency, and behind-the-scenes friction. The Raiders were 2–9 at the time of his dismissal, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in every major offensive category:
- 30th in total yards
- 31st in rushing yards
- 30th in offensive EPA
- 28th in red-zone efficiency
- 15 points per game (tied for last)
For a coordinator earning nearly $6 million per year, the expectations were dramatically higher.
Chip Kelly’s Offense Never Fit the Raiders’ Personnel
When Chip Kelly arrived from Ohio State after winning a national championship, the Raiders expected a fast-paced, creative, uptempo offense similar to Kelly’s Oregon peak. Instead, the scheme failed to match the strengths of the Raiders’ roster.
Geno Smith Struggled Under the System
Veteran quarterback Geno Smith regressed sharply, posting:
- 13 touchdowns
- 13 interceptions
- 66% completion rate
- 82.4 passer rating
Kelly’s system required rapid reads and constant rhythm throws—something Geno struggled with under heavy pressure and an injured offensive line.
Injuries Made a Bad Situation Worse
The Raiders battled a wave of injuries:
- Brock Bowers (knee)
- Kolton Miller (IR, ankle fracture)
- Jackson Powers-Johnson (IR)
- Veteran receivers missing time
Without a solid offensive line and consistent personnel, Kelly’s system sputtered.
Pete Carroll’s Season of Frustration
Pete Carroll entered his first season with the Raiders wanting to re-establish a cultural identity. Instead, he faced:
- His worst losing stretch in decades
- Two coordinator firings in one season
- A 2–9 record
- Growing fan frustration
- Tough decision-making pressure from ownership
The Chip Kelly fired situation became symbolic of the broader collapse happening in Las Vegas.
Inside the Tension Between Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly
Sources reported that the chemistry between Carroll and Kelly never aligned. Kelly preferred offensive autonomy and a college-style freedom. Pete Carroll wanted structure, discipline, ball control, and an adaptable scheme.
Their philosophies clashed.
Carroll’s Breaking Point
Multiple reports say Carroll lost patience after:
- Repeated slow starts
- Turnover-filled drives
- A lack of in-game adjustments
- Growing locker-room frustration
The final straw was the 24–10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, where the Raiders produced almost no explosive plays.
The Financial Factor — NFL’s Highest-Paid Coordinator Fired
Chip Kelly’s contract made him the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL at $6M per season.
For ownership, paying premium money for bottom-tier results became unsustainable. The firing signals that the Raiders are willing to eat the cost to make structural changes.
What Happens to the Raiders’ Offense Now?
Pete Carroll has not yet named an interim coordinator, but likely candidates include:
- Quarterbacks coach
- Senior offensive assistant
- Tight ends coach
Carroll’s next hire will be pivotal. The Raiders must determine:
Will they rebuild the offense around:
- Geno Smith?
- A rookie quarterback?
- A more traditional NFL system?
- A hybrid college-pro scheme?
The decision will shape the 2026 roster.
What Chip Kelly’s Firing Means for His Career
Chip Kelly fired headlines have become familiar. His coaching path:
- Oregon: Superstar innovator
- Philadelphia Eagles: Fired
- San Francisco 49ers: Fired
- UCLA: Mixed results
- Ohio State: Big success (2024)
- Raiders: Fired again
Kelly may return to college, join a TV network, or wait for another NFL opportunity—but his reputation at the pro level is badly damaged.
What Does This Mean for Raiders Fans?
Raiders fans have endured:
- Four consecutive losing seasons
- Coaching turnover
- Off-field drama
- On-field inconsistency
The firing shows management is no longer tolerating stagnation.
Will Pete Carroll Survive the 2026 Season?
Carroll is now on the hottest seat of his career. If the Raiders finish:
- 3–14
- 2–15
- Or worse…
…ownership will review his future. Two more losses would mark the worst season of his entire coaching career.
Final Outlook — What Comes Next for the Raiders
The firing of Chip Kelly is not the end—it’s the beginning of a major organizational reset.
Key priorities moving forward:
- Stabilize offensive coaching staff
- Rebuild quarterback position
- Strengthen offensive line
- Reassess Pete Carroll’s long-term fit
- Re-establish team identity
The remainder of the season will serve as an audition for players, coaches, and front office leaders.
CONCLUSION
The Raiders’ decision to fire Chip Kelly was inevitable. A failing offense, philosophical clashes, persistent injuries, and a 2–9 record forced Las Vegas to move on quickly. Now the pressure shifts to Pete Carroll and the rest of the organization to prove the future can be better than the past.
The Chip Kelly fired situation is not just another story — it is the turning point of the Raiders’ 2025 season and possibly their long-term future.