The Las Vegas Raiders have built up some positive momentum heading into the 2025 season with plenty of new, but familiar, faces in place for the Raiders, which includes former UCLA Bruin football head coach Chip Kelly, with Kelly now serving as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator.
Kelly will be working with new Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll, first round pick and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, record-setting tight end Brock Bowers and quarterback Geno Smith. Smith revitalized his career in Seattle and will now attempt to elevate the Raiders’ offense alongside Kelly.
“The beauty of Geno is that Geno has been in multiple systems now, and there’s a lot of things Geno can do,” Kelly said of Smith. “I don’t think you can just pigeon hole him. I think he runs better than people really give him credit for. You look at the two-minute drive against the 49ers at the end of the game, and he runs it in for the winner. I think he can beat you with his feet.”
Smith’s veteran presence should be a major upgrade for Las Vegas, who struggled at QB last year with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew splitting time under center. Smith and Carroll have plenty of history from their time with the Seahawks, with Carroll showing his faith in Geno by acquiring and handing him a two year $75 million extension to stay with the Raiders.
Las Vegas has the pieces for an explosive offense, now it’s time for Kelly, Carroll and Smith to join forces and make it happen.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Raiders OC Chip Kelly plans to rely on Geno Smith in Year 1 with Raiders
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
