Greg Olson Assumes Interim Offensive Coordinator Role for the Raiders
HENDERSON, Nev. – Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll announced on Monday that Greg Olson, who served as quarterbacks coach, will take over as interim offensive coordinator following the firing of Chip Kelly. Olson returns to a familiar position within the Raiders organization. He was previously the team’s offensive coordinator in the periods 2013-14 and then from 2018 to 2021. Now, once again, he will be in charge of the offensive strategy for the Raiders, who currently have one of the worst-performing offenses in the league. Carroll stated that he does not intend to make any further changes to the technical body. He will be in charge of the plays, and we haven’t finalized the details beyond that at this moment, but our players are preparing for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and we are focusing on it. Carroll highlighted Olson’s experience and his previous working relationship as key factors in his appointment to lead the offense. Olson has 24 seasons of coaching experience in the league and was the quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, Carroll’s last season with the organization. Additionally, Olson has been offensive coordinator for the Rams, Lions, and Buccaneers.Carroll made the decision to dispense with Kelly immediately after the team’s 24-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Bob Bicknell, senior offensive assistant, was also fired, according to sources. Carroll expressed that he is in “uncharted waters” as he had never fired a coach mid-season during his 14 years in Seattle. He has fired two coordinators in 16 days, after firing special teams coordinator Tom McMahon on November 7th.He knows me perfectly, and I think we’re fortunate to have someone with so much experience to take on this role.
Pete Carroll
Carroll stated that he gave Kelly “a lot of flexibility” in game planning due to his track record, which includes having helped Ohio State win a national title as offensive coordinator in 2024. However, his vision for the offense never aligned. Carroll reiterated that he wanted the Raiders to improve their running game. That plan never materialized.I felt the situation was too painful and the game hadn’t been good enough. This wouldn’t have happened, but we have a 2-9 record.
Pete Carroll
I just felt we needed to take the next step. We were stagnating, and that wasn’t enough for our fans and our players. That’s why we made this decision.
Pete Carroll
