Chip Kelly is on cloud nine after helping the Ohio State Buckeyes win the National Championship over Notre Dame. If he chose to stay, he could be a vital figure for the Buckeyes’ hopes of building a college football dynasty. However, in a surprising move, Kelly joined the Las Vegas Raiders as offensive coordinator of head coach Pete Carroll.
While it is puzzling why Kelly would leave a formidable program that can dominate for years, Sports Illustrated senior NFL reporter Albert Breer revealed that being the highest-paid coordinator might have enticed Kelly to accept the role.
Breer tweeted, “The @Raiders told candidates during their search they were making a serious commitment with an infusion of cash from the new owners. Here it is—Chip Kelly was lured to Vegas with a deal averaging $6 million per year, per sources.”
The @Raiders told candidates during their search they were making a serious commitment with an infusion of cash from the new owners. Here it is—Chip Kelly was lured to Vegas with a deal averaging $6 million per year, per sources.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 3, 2025
Kelly is now the NFL's highest-paid coordinator.
The Raiders will be the third team Kelly will work for. He was the Philadelphia Eagles head coach from 2013 to 2015, replacing Andy Reid. Kelly also coached the San Francisco 49ers for one year. Meanwhile, he had coaching stints at Columbia, New Hampshire, Johns Hopkins, Oregon, and UCLA.
Kelly will be working with All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers. However, given that he will be the main offensive playcaller, he will have a say in addressing the Raiders’ quarterback situation.
-Lance Fernandez