Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly recently addressed the changes in rookie running back Ashton Jeanty's backfield stance, clarifying that the instruction came from running backs coach Deland McCullough. Kelly emphasized to reporters that he does not coach specific player positions, stating, 'I didn't tell anybody on this team to be in any stances.'

Jeanty, who was selected sixth overall by the Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft, reflected on his conversation with Kelly during an appearance on Up & Adams from May 19. He 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's like, 'OK, show me how you would guard me,' and he's acting like he's holding the ball.' Jeanty noted that this exchange helped illustrate why he needs to adjust his stance after having played with a more upright posture during his collegiate career at Boise State.

Despite his successful junior season in 2024, where he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting by accumulating 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns, Jeanty has acknowledged the coaching staff's request for him to modify his stance. He expressed a willingness to adapt, stating, '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].' Kelly praised Jeanty's versatility and coachability, noting, 'He's awesome and he's such a coachable guy that you can do a lot of things with him.' As the Raiders seek to improve their offensive performance, Jeanty's contributions will be critical, especially given the team's struggles with the league's poorest rushing attack last season.