The Las Vegas Raiders are taking a patient, calculated approach in their search for a new head coach-a refreshing change for a franchise that’s cycled through five head coaches in as many seasons. With general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady leading the charge, the Raiders have cast a wide net, interviewing 15 candidates since parting ways with Pete Carroll earlier this month. Eleven of those names are still in play, and with the NFL’s Conference Championship games wrapping up Sunday night, the next phase of the search is about to heat up.
Starting Monday, Las Vegas will be allowed to resume interviews with coaches still active in the postseason. And according to multiple league sources, the Raiders are wasting no time lining up second-round interviews.
Davis Webb Drawing Serious Interest
One name that’s quickly gaining traction is Davis Webb, the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Webb is slated for a second interview with the Raiders-making him the first known playoff candidate to be brought back for another conversation. That’s a strong signal that Webb has impressed the Raiders’ decision-makers and could be a frontrunner as the process moves forward.
Webb is an intriguing candidate. At just 29 years old, he represents the kind of forward-thinking, quarterback-focused leader that many franchises are gravitating toward in today’s NFL. Though he’s never called plays or served as a coordinator, Webb has built a reputation as a rising star in coaching circles, particularly for his work with young quarterbacks and his natural leadership qualities.
For a Raiders franchise that has struggled to find stability and identity in recent years, Webb could be the kind of fresh voice the organization needs. He’s not the traditional choice-he doesn’t have decades of experience or a long coaching résumé-but he brings energy, innovation, and a track record of connecting with players. That might be exactly what the Silver and Black need to turn the page.
Still, there’s no ignoring the experience gap. Webb has only three years of coaching under his belt, and he’s never held a coordinator title. If the Raiders were to go in this direction, pairing him with a veteran offensive mind-someone like Brian Daboll, who has also interviewed for the head coaching job-could provide the balance needed to support a young head coach and stabilize the staff.
Other Names in the Mix
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added more fuel to the fire ahead of Sunday’s games, confirming that Webb is a serious contender and naming a few other coaches who remain firmly on Las Vegas’ radar. Among them: Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, and Mike McDaniel, who, despite being in the thick of the postseason, is reportedly still in the running.
According to Rapoport, the Raiders are eyeing candidates who are still coaching this weekend, which could explain the slower pace of their search. It’s a smart play-waiting to speak with top-tier assistants from playoff teams gives Las Vegas access to some of the league’s brightest minds at a time when innovation and adaptability are more important than ever.
Webb’s Buffalo Ties Could Complicate Things
Webb isn’t just on the Raiders’ radar. The Buffalo Bills are also reportedly interested in bringing him back into the fold, this time as a potential head coach. Webb spent three years in Buffalo, developing strong relationships with both quarterback Josh Allen-his former teammate-and Daboll, who remains a leading candidate for the Bills’ top job.
However, Las Vegas holds a scheduling advantage here. Because the Raiders are not in the postseason, they’re allowed to interview candidates from active playoff teams as soon as Monday.
The Bills, still in the hunt themselves, will have to wait until their season ends to speak with coaches from other playoff squads. That gives the Raiders a head start in what could become a competitive race for Webb’s services.
A Promising Shortlist
Whether it’s Webb, Kubiak, or McDaniel, the Raiders appear to be zeroing in on high-upside candidates who align with today’s offensive trends. All three bring different strengths to the table, but they share a common thread: the ability to connect with players, innovate on offense, and lead with a modern mindset.
For a franchise that’s long been searching for direction, this coaching search feels different. It’s deliberate.
It’s forward-looking. And if the Raiders can land one of these finalists, they just might find the stability and spark they’ve been missing.