HENDERSON, Nev. – Chip Kelly is fully aware of the challenges ahead as he takes on the role of offensive coordinator for the Raiders, a team situated in a competitive AFC West, teeming with top-notch coaches and quarterbacks.
“Some people questioned my decision to join this division,” Kelly remarked during an introductory video call on Wednesday. “However, for those who thrive on competition, it’s an exciting opportunity. Winning this division implies that you’ve managed to outplay the best, and currently, that means overcoming the Chiefs.”
Leading the Kansas City Chiefs are coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who are pursuing a third consecutive Super Bowl title as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in New Orleans.
The division also boasts notable head coach-quarterback duos such as Jim Harbaugh with Justin Herbert from the Los Angeles Chargers and Sean Payton paired with Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos. Last season, all three rival teams reached the playoffs, while the Raiders struggled with a 4-13 record, leading to a coaching overhaul from Antonio Pierce to Pete Carroll. With Carroll’s arrival, every head coach in the division has at least one Super Bowl appearance, although Harbaugh is still seeking his first victory in the big game.

Kelly expressed that his previous collaboration with Carroll was a major factor in his choice to join the Raiders and shared that he had fruitful discussions with owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, and part-owner Tom Brady.
“The legacy of this organization is undeniable,” Kelly stated. “And who can forget the phrase, ‘Just win, baby’? It resonates widely.”
Prior to this role, Kelly served as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, helping to lead the team to a national championship this past season. His coaching background includes stints as head coach at Oregon and UCLA, as well as with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
The Raiders are counting on Kelly to revitalize an offense that finished the season ranked among the lowest, averaging just 303.2 yards per game, and was last in the league for rushing, with an average of 79.8 yards. Improving the quarterback situation will be a primary focus, but Kelly emphasized the need to first evaluate the current roster and consider potential players available through the NFL draft or free agency, especially with the Raiders holding the No. 6 overall pick.
“It’s essential to assess the players available and see how they can fit into our system,” Kelly explained.
His reputation as an innovative offensive strategist first emerged during his time as Oregon’s offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008, later serving as head coach for four seasons, where he led the team to a 46-7 record and competed in the Bowl Championship Series national championship game in 2010, finishing in the top four of the AP poll during his last three years.
Afterward, Kelly transitioned to the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons, achieving a 10-6 record in his first two years before being let go following a 6-9 season in 2015. He then spent a single season with the 49ers, where he managed a disappointing 2-14 record.
Subsequently, Kelly returned to college football in 2018 at UCLA, where he initially faced challenges with losing seasons in his first three years, but improved significantly with a combined record of 25-13 in his last three seasons.
Most recently, he left UCLA after the 2023 season to lead Ohio State’s offense, and the Buckeyes displayed their prowess during the College Football Playoff, racking up 83 points in the initial rounds, eventually defeating Texas 28-14 in the semifinals and Notre Dame 34-23 in the championship matchup.