Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly recently addressed the adjustment made by rookie running back Ashton Jeanty regarding his backfield stance. Kelly clarified that Deland McCullough, the running backs coach, recommended the change, stating, 'I didn't tell anybody on this team to be in any stances because I don't coach positions.'

Jeanty, selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout career at Boise State, shared that Kelly initiated the conversation about his stance during rookie minicamp. Reflecting on the encounter, Jeanty recalled, 'What's crazy is, Chip Kelly comes to me first day of rookie minicamp, and he's like, 'You ever play basketball?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I play basketball, you know I can dunk and all that.' He then demonstrated how Jeanty should position himself: 'That's exactly why you have to be down in your running back stance.'

Although Jeanty was known for his imposing upright stance in college, he expressed a willingness to adapt following the coaching staff's request. He stated, 'I have to earn my stripes and make some plays first, but I don't think it's going to be the end [of the stance].' Having finished his junior season with impressive statistics, including leading the nation with 2,601 rushing yards, Jeanty aims to enhance a Raiders offense that struggled last season, with Kelly praising his coachable nature and potential versatility.