Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk highlighted the possibility of UCLA head coach Chip Kelly eyeing the offensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders following Antonio Pierce’s appointment as head coach.
Florio emphasized the Raiders’ need for a competent offensive coach under Pierce’s leadership but noted the uncertainty regarding Kelly’s interest in joining the staff.
While currently holding a prominent position at UCLA, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports mentioned earlier this month that Kelly was considered a potential offensive coordinator by multiple head coaching candidates during the current hiring cycle.
Despite his reputation for a high-paced offense blending run-pass option plays, Kelly has experienced more success in the college ranks than in the NFL.
During his four-year stint at Oregon, Kelly boasted an impressive 46-7 record, featuring an appearance in the BCS national championship game and two Rose Bowls.
His achievements earned him a head coaching role with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, but he was dismissed in his third season with a 26-21 record. Subsequently, Kelly faced a challenging season as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, finishing with a 2-14 record.
Since joining UCLA in 2018, Kelly has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed with the Ducks.
The Bruins’ record stands at 35-34 under his tenure, and they may face additional challenges in the upcoming seasons, particularly with a pending move to the Big Ten and scheduled 2024 matchups against strong opponents like LSU, Oregon, Penn State, Washington, and USC.
Despite his mixed NFL coaching history, Kelly’s offensive prowess suggests that an offensive coordinator role in the NFL could be a logical move for him. While the Raiders have a vacant offensive coordinator position, the potential link between Kelly and the team remains largely speculative at this point.
