"Sounds like total BS hit job": Emmanuel Acho questions reports of Chip Kelly forgetting play calling 3 days after Raiders fire OC

Chip Kelly's tenure as the offensive coordinator in Las Vegas lasted just 11 games. Kelly was fired after a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Kelly repeatedly called plays that weren’t installed in the team’s offense or included in the weekly game plan. He also failed to tag necessary motion calls for wide receivers, creating confusion for quarterback Geno Smith at the line of scrimmage. These problems directly contributed to one of the league’s worst offenses.

However, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho questioned the grounds of the report. He argued that the claim Kelly repeatedly made about uninstalled plays doesn’t align with how NFL play-calling works.

"Me and Chip have our differences (he cut me 5 times) but this sounds like a total BS hit job," Acho tweeted on Thursday. "Coaches call plays from a play sheet, a play sheet that is literally in their hand or on a desk (if they’re in booth). This call sheet has plays separated by specific downs and distances. I find it impossible to believe that Chip was calling uninstalled plays. Thats just not practical."

Emmanuel Acho

@EmmanuelAcho

Me and Chip have our differences (he cut me 5 times) but this sounds like a total BS hit job. Coaches call plays from a play sheet, a play sheet that is literally in their hand or on a desk (if they’re in booth). This call sheet has plays separated by specific downs and

Under Chip Kelly, Las Vegas ranked 30th in success rate and last in EPA per play, according to Ben Baldwin’s database.

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Geno Smith addresses Chip Kelly's firing and the Raiders' offensive struggles

On Wednesday, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith spoke openly about the team’s offensive issues and the recent firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

Smith, who leads the NFL in interceptions, acknowledged the unit’s failures but defended Kelly’s football mind.

"Chip [Kelly] is a guy who, when I met him, I was in high school—10th grade, I believe—and I've always thought highly of him," Smith said. "I've always thought he has a great football mind, and I honestly thought that if we made more plays, if we executed better, things would be different."

He expressed support for Chip Kelly and took accountability for the offense’s struggles.

"I really feel for Chip," he said. "I really do. I've developed a great relationship with him through the time of knowing him, and I always wish him the best, and I'll always believe in him. Like I said, I think he's a great football mind, and some things are out of my control. But the things that were—which was execution on the field—those are the things I wish I could have done better for him."

The Raiders replaced Kelly with quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. With Olson now calling plays, the Raiders (2-9) hope improved execution and stability can prevent further losses. They prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers.