Training camp has come with a different set of vibes for the Las Vegas Raiders this season, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is part of the reason why.
His story is similar to the Raiders in general, where he seeks redemption for his last run in the NFL. After a rough end to his run with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, Kelly has since rebuilt his stock as a coach with his return to college football. Coming back after a national championship with Ohio State, Kelly now hopes to make good on his status as the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL.
So far during training camp, Kelly has already made fans out of his players this season.
Kelly is trying to get his best players in positions to succeed.
After Thursday’s training camp practices, Kelly spoke to the media about trusting his players to make the plays needed to win games.
“I think there’s a ton involved in that,” Kelly said, “being able to figure out what are the strengths and what are the weaknesses of each individual player, and then try to put them in positions where they can make plays.”
He has already earned praise from some of the top players on the Raiders so far.
“He’s very good at putting guys in the right spot to succeed,” wide receiver Tre Tucker said. “I feel like sometimes, people can just put people places and just expect you to run a certain thing, but he’s more of a player’s guy, not a plays guy. So, the players, we make the plays, but he puts us in position to make them.”
As training camp continues on, Kelly will likely be placing more aspects of his offensive scheme into effect. The preseason will also help get the players learning at game speed, as well as give Kelly a better look at which players suit particular roles best.
However, gaining the respect of the locker room early on is a good sign for Kelly as he implements his offense.
“They want to be coached. They’re thirsty for knowledge,” Kelly said. “When you go into the meeting room, there’s a little buzz and there’s an excitement. It’s not like, ‘Oh God, we’re in camp. What we do here?’ It’s like, they’re excited. It’s special when you get an opportunity to be on [an] NFL roster, and I think these guys are really taking advantage of it.
“As a coach, it makes it a blast to come in this building every day.”
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