Tom Brady may be stepping away from the Fox Sports broadcast booth for now, but he’s not exactly kicking back. As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady is diving headfirst into one of the most pivotal decisions any ownership group can make: hiring the next head coach.
While most teams have already locked in their top choices or wrapped up interviews, the Raiders are just now entering the second-interview phase. And with Brady reportedly in Las Vegas-after a recent stop in Seattle-the process is heating up.
Let’s break down the names reportedly in the mix, what they bring to the table, and how they might fit into the Raiders’ evolving blueprint.
Joe Brady - Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
Joe Brady’s name rings familiar, and not just because of the last name. The Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator has made a name for himself developing Josh Allen-a task that’s more complex than it looks. Allen’s raw talent is undeniable, but refining that into consistent, high-level quarterback play takes a sharp offensive mind, and Brady has shown flashes of just that.
Still, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. This past season, the Bills’ offense sputtered at times, largely due to a lack of reliable weapons around Allen-a roster issue that wasn’t on Brady’s shoulders, but one that impacted his unit nonetheless.
Is Joe Brady the right guy for the Raiders? It’s not a slam dunk.
But considering how late the Raiders are to the coaching carousel, he might be more of a contender than expected. He’s young, creative, and has experience with a high-ceiling quarterback.
If Las Vegas wants to build around a dynamic, modern offense, Brady’s offensive résumé at least earns him a serious look.
Davis Webb - Passing Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
Davis Webb is the definition of a wildcard candidate. He’s young, relatively untested as a coach, and still early in his post-playing career. But don’t let the lack of experience fool you-Webb has been around the quarterback room for years, both as a player and now as a coach under Sean Payton in Denver.
His work with Bo Nix this season has been quietly solid, and while we don’t know much about any personal connection between Webb and Tom Brady, the Raiders could view Webb as a developmental asset-especially if they’re looking to groom a young quarterback like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, assuming he’s in their draft plans.
Webb’s a long shot, no doubt. But sometimes those are the names that surprise you. If the Raiders are thinking outside the box, Webb might be the kind of high-upside swing they’re willing to take.
Ejiro Evero - Defensive Coordinator, Carolina Panthers
Now here’s a curveball. Ejiro Evero is one of the more respected defensive minds in the league, but his name doesn’t exactly scream “Raiders head coach” at first glance. Las Vegas hasn’t historically leaned toward defensive hires, and Evero’s profile is more under-the-radar than some of the other candidates.
That said, Evero has quietly built a reputation as a sharp, adaptable coordinator, even amid the chaos in Carolina. He’s shown the ability to get the most out of his units, and if the Raiders want to reset their culture with a defense-first mentality, Evero could bring a fresh perspective.
It’s a long shot, but in a coaching cycle that’s already full of surprises, don’t count out a name just because it doesn’t fit the mold.
Brian Daboll - Head Coach, New York Giants
Now this is where things get interesting. Brian Daboll is the only candidate on this list with a direct, working history with Tom Brady, dating back to their time together with the New England Patriots. That familiarity could go a long way in what’s shaping up to be a very personal decision for Brady and the Raiders’ brass.
Daboll’s recent tenure with the New York Giants didn’t end on a high note-the offense struggled, the team regressed, and questions swirled about his long-term fit. But let’s not forget what got him the Giants job in the first place: his work with Josh Allen in Buffalo, where he helped mold Allen into one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
That’s the kind of résumé that could appeal to a Raiders organization potentially eyeing a young QB in the draft. Daboll understands the process of quarterback development, and more importantly, he understands Brady. That mutual respect could be a major factor in the decision-making process.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders are late to the party, but they’re not out of the game. With Tom Brady now fully engaged in the coaching search, this next hire could be as much about vision and chemistry as it is about track record. Whether they go with a known quantity like Daboll, a rising mind like Joe Brady, or take a flyer on a developmental coach like Webb or Evero, the Raiders are clearly keeping their options open.
It’s not the most conventional list of candidates, but then again, Brady’s never been one to follow the script.