After helping Ohio State win the national championship in 2024, Chip Kelly is reportedly on the move, joining the Las Vegas Raiders as their next offensive coordinator. Kelly has also previously served as the head coach of Oregon, UCLA, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Kelly joins the Raiders, who finished 4-13 in 2024. Their offense could only average 303.2 yards per game (sixth-worst in the league) and 79.8 yards per game on the ground (dead last). By PFN’s Offense+ metric, Las Vegas ranked 29th.
Jeremiah Smith Breaks Down After Hearing Chip Kelly Leaving Buckeyes
While Kelly was with the Buckeyes for only one season, he made several close bonds, especially with key offensive players on the team. That includes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who played a massive role in Ohio State’s offense — despite being a mere freshman.
Smith took to X (formerly Twitter) to make his feelings known with a one-word reaction.
“Nooooo💔.”
Nooooo💔 https://t.co/mA5MneoqOr
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) February 2, 2025
In his single season under Kelly, Smith had an incredible season, leading the team with 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Understandably, he’ll miss Kelly’s company.
Ohio State finished ninth in the nation in scoring, averaging 35.7 points per game. Meanwhile, in terms of yardage, ranked 24th, averaging 429.4 yards of offense per game.
Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Reacts to Chip Kelly Leaving for Raiders Gig
While Smith seemed surprised about the Kelly news, head coach Ryan Day knew it was coming. He only has well wishes for his departing offensive coordinator.
Talking to Joel Klatt about Kelly’s presence in Columbus, Day said he had pleasure working with the veteran.
“It was great. We talked about it,” Day said. “The fact that we had a really good group here, and the dream would be to win a national championship and then he decides whether he wants to stay or have an opportunity to go to the NFL, and that’s exactly what happened. To be able to have a beer in a few years and talk about the year we had together is going to be special because we all started together.
“This is where I started, with him, and we went and did that (won the national title). What a great story. I know so many people back home in New Hampshire are excited for him and for the story. It’s pretty special.”
During my conversation with @ryandaytime the news broke about Chip Kelly heading to the @Raiders…Here is his initial reaction
Our full conversation up tomorrow @JoelKlattShow pic.twitter.com/yJasoLnqe5
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) February 3, 2025
Now Day will have another position to fill in at Columbus. Meanwhile, Kelly looks forward to his next assignment serving on Pete Carroll’s staff.