Pete Carroll had to make a tough decision, but after losing in Week 12 and scoring just 10 points, he parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Now that he is relieved from his duties, the former 49ers head coach broke his silence regarding the situation that saw him leave the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kelly spoke to NFL insider Jay Glazer and said, “I am grateful for the opportunity with the Raiders, bottom line in this league you have to win. I really loved those players, I’m a huge, HUGE Geno Smith fan, that was one of the best parts of this experience for me, working with Geno and those guys every day. But hey, we gotta win. I get it.”
The Raiders offense is a bottom three unit in most categories, including yards, scoring, and rushing. Those are stats that will cost you a job, and even Kelly seems to know it judging him by his words.
Geno Smith has issues that might stem deeper from Kelly
Smith has regressed massively since leaving the Seahawks and Kelly is very responsible of it. But there is more, and the fact is that Pete Carroll must be responsible for it. Smith has had two problems: lack of protection and overall quarterback play. Well, both have a coincidence, Pete Carroll’s sons are working directly with him.
Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders
Brennan Carroll is the run game and offensive line coordinator. Needless to say, the running game is not working either, but the offensive line has been atrocious. The offensive line can’t protect Smith. Then, game management and assistant quarterbacks coach Nate Carroll, also Pete’s son, has also made his mark in a negative way when it comes to Smith’s form. Kelly was the head of offense, but the fact is, it might go deeper than that.
see also
Pete Carroll confirms firing of Raiders coach after loss to Shedeur Sanders, Browns
What’s next for the Raiders?
At least for now, the Raiders’ best interest is to actually lose games, because that will give them a higher draft pick for next year. But, the second most important thing is to get the right offensive coordinator. That will be key if this team wants any success in the Pete Carroll era.
When Carroll arrived, he promised this team would win a lot of games. After that, they have won just twice. So, the thing clearly is going sideways. If Carroll wants to save his job, he actually needs to nail the offensive coordinator hire.
