Just hours after a 24-10 drubbing by the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, the Las Vegas Raiders pulled the plug on Chip Kelly, firing him as offensive coordinator on November 24, 2025. The move wasn’t surprising to anyone who watched the team struggle — it was just the final, ugly chapter in what’s been a season-long offensive implosion. The Raiders’ offense ranked dead last in the NFL in points per game (15.0), 31st in rushing (79.5 yards), and 30th in total yards (268.9). And the numbers didn’t lie: zero touchdowns in the last two games, a sack rate climbing to 8.2%, and an offense that looked more like a high school unit than an NFL squad.
Why This Decision Was Long Overdue
The Raiders’ offense didn’t just underperform — it collapsed under the weight of its own design. Chip Kelly, hired on February 1, 2025 with a $4.5 million annual salary — the highest ever for an NFL offensive coordinator — was brought in by head coach Pete Carroll as both a scheme architect and, many believed, a potential heir apparent. But the system never clicked. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, thrust into the starting role after Marcus Mariota’s injury, threw for just 11 touchdowns in 11 games. The running game? A disaster. Running backs averaged 3.7 yards per carry, worst in the league. The red zone? A graveyard — converted just 48.1% of opportunities.It wasn’t just bad. It was historic. The Raiders’ 2024 offense under interim coordinator Mick Lombardi ranked 18th in scoring and 16th in total yards. This year? They’re 31st in rushing, 30th in EPA, and 28th in red zone efficiency. The drop-off wasn’t gradual — it was a cliff.
Greg Olson Steps In — Again
Enter Greg Olson. The 62-year-old quarterbacks coach, who’s now in his third stint with the Raiders, was named interim playcaller effective November 25, 2025. Olson previously served as offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014 and as QB coach from 2007 to 2008. He knows the roster. He knows the culture. And most importantly, he knows how to work with O’Connell, who’s struggled under Kelly’s complex, fast-paced system.Olson’s approach will be simpler: shorter drops, quicker reads, more play-action, and less reliance on RPOs that never worked. The Raiders’ next practice — scheduled for November 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT at their Henderson, Nevada facility — will be the first test. If the offense shows even a hint of rhythm, it’ll be a sign Olson’s experience can stabilize things.
The Search Begins — But Only If Carroll Stays
The real question isn’t who replaces Kelly — it’s whether Pete Carroll will even be around to hire someone. At 74, Carroll’s contract runs through 2027, but with the Raiders at 3-8 and ownership led by Mark Davis facing mounting pressure, his future is uncertain.Enter Sanjay Lal, 55, the wide receivers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Brad Berreman, senior writer for Just Blog Baby, Lal is the most logical candidate — not because of his current job, but because of where he was before: under Carroll in Seattle from 2020 to 2022. Lal helped develop the Seahawks’ offense during their last stretch of relevance. He understands Carroll’s philosophy. He’s worked with similar personnel. And, as Berreman noted, “Carroll will only hire someone he trusts. Lal’s the only one who fits that description.”
But here’s the catch: Lal won’t take the job unless Carroll stays. And with the Raiders’ season teetering on the edge, that’s far from guaranteed. If Carroll is fired, the Raiders will likely go in a completely different direction — perhaps toward a younger, more innovative coordinator. But if he remains, Lal becomes the front-runner.
The Financial Fallout
Firing Kelly isn’t just a coaching change — it’s a cap hit. The Raiders will carry a $3.2 million dead cap charge into 2026, per NFLPA records. That’s money they can’t use to fix their defense, sign a quarterback, or re-sign key free agents. It’s a costly mistake — one that could ripple through next year’s roster construction.
What’s Next?
The Raiders will play out the rest of the season under Olson’s playcalling, with their final game set for December 29, 2025 against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The formal search for a permanent offensive coordinator won’t begin until December 30, 2025. Until then, Olson will tweak the offense — simplifying protections, increasing tempo in short-yardage situations, and leaning on tight end Darren Waller more than ever.One thing’s clear: the Raiders’ offense is broken. And no matter who’s hired next, rebuilding it will take more than a new playbook — it’ll take a new identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chip Kelly fired so quickly after being hired?
Despite being paid $4.5 million annually — the highest for any NFL offensive coordinator — Kelly’s system failed to produce. The Raiders’ offense ranked last in scoring and rushing, and their quarterback sack rate jumped from 5.9% in 2024 to 8.2% in 2025. After a winless November and zero touchdowns in their last two games, ownership and coaching staff concluded the scheme was unsustainable. The salary made the failure more painful, not less.
Why is Greg Olson the interim playcaller?
Olson has deep institutional knowledge — he’s coached quarterbacks for the Raiders in three separate stints since 2007. He knows Aidan O’Connell’s strengths, the offensive line’s limitations, and how to simplify schemes under pressure. Unlike Kelly’s complex system, Olson favors quick releases and short passes, which better suit the team’s current personnel. His return is a stability move, not a long-term solution.
Who is Sanjay Lal, and why is he linked to the Raiders?
Lal is the Chargers’ wide receivers coach and previously worked under Pete Carroll in Seattle from 2020 to 2022, helping develop Russell Wilson’s peak years. He’s familiar with Carroll’s offensive philosophy and has experience with similar personnel. Analyst Brad Berreman argues Lal is the only viable candidate if Carroll stays — but if Carroll is fired, Lal won’t take the job. His candidacy hinges entirely on Carroll’s future.
How does this affect the Raiders’ 2026 salary cap?
Firing Kelly creates a $3.2 million dead cap hit in 2026, according to Over the Cap. That money is gone — it can’t be used to sign free agents, extend players, or trade for help. It’s a direct consequence of overpaying for a failed experiment. The Raiders now face tougher decisions on re-signing key players like Davante Adams or protecting their defensive core.
Will Pete Carroll be fired after the season?
It’s possible. With a 3-8 record, mounting fan backlash, and a historically bad offense, ownership pressure is growing. While Carroll’s contract runs through 2027, Mark Davis has shown he’ll make bold moves when results don’t match expectations. The decision likely won’t be made until after the final game on December 29, but if the offense doesn’t improve under Olson, Carroll’s tenure could end abruptly.
What’s the biggest challenge for the Raiders’ offense going forward?
The biggest challenge isn’t scheme — it’s confidence. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell has lost trust in the system, the offensive line is demoralized, and the running backs are running into traffic. Even the best coordinator won’t fix that overnight. The Raiders need to rebuild trust, simplify the playbook, and find a way to score — even if it’s just field goals and short touchdowns. Winning ugly might be their only path forward.
