The head coach of Star College expresses interest in the Raiders’ offensive coordinator position, according to a report.
Antonio Pierce has been officially named the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, prompting the team to actively search for a suitable offensive coordinator to join his coaching staff. Various candidates, both younger and more experienced, have been considered for the position.
Given Pierce’s status as a first-time head coach, the Raiders may lean towards hiring a seasoned playcaller for the offensive coordinator role. While UCLA head coach Chip Kelly has not been interviewed by the team yet, there are indications that he may be interested in the position, as reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on January 30 during Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.
Florio stated, “There’s one team he might specifically be targeting—the Raiders.” The uncertainty remains as to whether Pierce would be interested in bringing Kelly on board as part of his coaching staff.
If the Raiders prioritize experience, Chip Kelly stands out as an excellent option. With coaching stints at Oregon, the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers, and currently at UCLA, Kelly has a wealth of experience and has served as a playcaller throughout his career.
The unexpected link between Kelly and the Raiders raises questions about his potential departure from UCLA. Kelly, who has been a head coach since 2009, has not served in a coordinator role since 2008. Additionally, he recently signed a contract with UCLA extending through 2027, making a move to the Raiders likely involving a pay cut.
At 60 years old, Kelly may be considering a transition to the NFL for a less demanding role, especially with UCLA joining the Big Ten in 2024, leading to increased travel and a tougher schedule. While it appears that Kelly is actively seeking NFL employment, it remains to be seen whether he will ultimately land with the Raiders.
When assessing Chip Kelly’s fit with the Las Vegas Raiders, there was a time when he was highly regarded for his coaching prowess, particularly during his successful tenure at Oregon. However, his subsequent NFL experiences, including being fired by the Eagles and a brief stint with the 49ers, have been mixed. During his six seasons at UCLA, he has not achieved more than nine wins, indicating a decline in his coaching reputation.
If the Raiders choose to bring Kelly on board, he will need to demonstrate his ability to call plays at the NFL level and potentially rekindle the innovative offensive strategies for which he was once known. While interviewing Kelly may be worthwhile for Antonio Pierce, considering the risk involved, hiring him as an offensive coordinator would be a decision requiring careful consideration. Austin Boyd, who has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com since 2019, provided insights and analysis on this potential coaching development.
