Davis Webb is taking his name out of the running for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching job - and that decision could have ripple effects across several NFL coaching staffs.
Webb, currently the Denver Broncos’ pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, had been considered a serious contender for the Raiders’ top job. But with signs pointing to Las Vegas leaning toward Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Webb is stepping away from the process. The Raiders and Cardinals are reportedly waiting until after the Super Bowl to meet with Kubiak, and it seems Webb had no interest in being a fallback option.
Now that he’s officially out of the head coaching conversation in Vegas, Webb becomes one of the most in-demand names on the offensive coordinator market. Several teams - including the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles (prior to their OC hire earlier today) - have already submitted requests to interview him for their vacant OC roles. And then there’s Denver, where Webb is already on staff and could be in line for an internal promotion.
The Broncos recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and there’s strong momentum building toward Webb stepping into that role. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Denver views Webb as a prime candidate to take over the offense, and it’s easy to see why. He’s impressed in interviews around the league, carries a strong reputation as a rising offensive mind, and already has a working relationship with head coach Sean Payton.
If Webb stays in Denver, he’d benefit from another year in Payton’s system - this time as the offensive coordinator. While Payton would likely continue to call plays, Webb would be heavily involved in weekly game-planning and would handle in-game communication from the booth. That kind of experience, especially under a coach with Payton’s résumé, is invaluable for a young coordinator looking to eventually take the next step.
That said, other teams may be willing to offer Webb something Denver can’t: full play-calling responsibilities. That could be a key factor in his decision. For a coach on the rise, the opportunity to run an offense - and prove himself in that role - can be a game-changer.
So where does this leave things? Denver appears to be the frontrunner to keep Webb in-house and elevate him to offensive coordinator.
But with multiple suitors lining up and interviews likely happening soon, this situation could evolve quickly. One thing’s certain: Davis Webb is a name to watch in the coming days, and wherever he lands, he’s poised to make a significant impact.