Geno Smith, now decked out in Raider silver and black, has found a new groove as he reunites with head coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. Despite the familiarity of working with Carroll, the seasoned quarterback is treading new ground with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who brings fresh vigor to the Raiders’ playbook.
Kelly, whose recent years were spent energizing college teams, is back in the professional football arena. His coaching blueprint emphasizes swift, high-tempo offensive schemes marked by dynamic calls right at the line of scrimmage—quite a shift for Smith, who previously enjoyed free rein in deciding plays at Seattle.
The adjustment, however, seems natural. “Chip knows that I can see the game,” Smith remarked, a nod to the mutual understanding fueling their collaborative efforts in building this season’s strategic framework.
During a conversation with The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen, Smith shared, “We’ve always had a rapport, which made the transition smooth. Learning this offense is just part of my adaptability—something I excel in.” Despite the change, Smith is confident, hinting at an exciting mix of explosive and efficient plays ready to be unleashed.
While Kelly’s systems at UCLA and Ohio State diverged from his earlier models, the adaptability, led by Smith's vision and Kelly’s insights, indicates promising refinements for Las Vegas as the 2025 season approaches. With both coach and player eager to push the boundaries, the Raiders look poised to tackle the new season with a revitalized offensive philosophy.
