The Las Vegas Raiders turned heads in early February when they hired Chip Kelly to be their next offensive coordinator.
Once considered to be a transcendent offensive mind, Kelly fell out of favor in the NFL after a few rough seasons as the head coach of the Eagles and 49ers. He has since redeemed himself with successful seasons at the college level and even won a National Championship as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State last season.
The NFL combine took place in Indianapolis last week and 15 of Kelly's Buckeyes were in attendance. Several of them spoke to the media about their former coach.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson talked about how Kelly used his talents last year and how he appreciates his mindset.
Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson loved how Chip Kelly used him at space this past year.
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) February 28, 2025
Henderson said "He loves the mindset of Coach Kelly" pic.twitter.com/9osO7n4Ry2
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State's all-time leading receiver, also sang Kelly's praises and thought Las Vegas made a great hire when they signed his former coach.
Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka said Ryan Day needed someone he could fully trust which is why they had so much success on offense
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) February 28, 2025
Chip Kelly continues to get A LOT of love at the NFL Combine pic.twitter.com/o8AnKb7omc
Running back Quinshon Judkins impressed scouts at the NFL combine with his performance, but his comments about coach Kelly should impress Raider Nation.
Quinshon Judkins on his meeting with the #Raiders and reconnecting with Chip Kelly #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/C596sh8ger
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) February 28, 2025
Quarterback Will Howard was another former Buckeye that spoke highly of Kelly as both a coach and a player.
Will Howard on #Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly: “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had, man. One of my favorite people I’ve been around.”
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) February 28, 2025
Howard completed 73 percent of his passes, complied 42 total touchdowns and won a national championship under Kelly at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/5GUkK9SdKW
Will Howard on Chip Kelly #NFLCombine #Raiders pic.twitter.com/UTF9wu9dfD
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) February 28, 2025
Las Vegas will be in the market for several of these players when the NFL Draft rolls around. The team needs an upgrade at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, so drafting an offensive player with a connection to the team's coordinator would make a lot of sense for the franchise.
Kelly has not been on an NFL sideline since 2016, but those who have followed his career would tell you that he has grown as a play-caller in his years away from the professional level. At the very least, his coaching style and schemes still resonate with young players today, and Raider Nation should be excited about the prospect of Kelly potentially bringing in National Championship-level players.