Raiders Coaching Search: Patience, Perspective, and a Franchise at a Crossroads
LAS VEGAS - With the Super Bowl stage now set between New England and Seattle, the rest of the league is already deep into offseason mode - and nowhere is the spotlight hotter than in Las Vegas, where the Raiders are still searching for their next head coach.
Six teams have already made their moves, including the Steelers, who brought in Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy, the former Packers and Cowboys head coach. But the Raiders?
They're still evaluating, still interviewing, still weighing their options. And while that might frustrate fans eager for answers, there’s reason to believe this measured approach is exactly what the franchise needs.
It’s been nearly three weeks since the Raiders parted ways with Pete Carroll, and the vacancy at the Intermountain Health Performance Center hasn’t been filled yet. But that’s not necessarily a sign of indecision - it’s a sign they’re doing their due diligence.
They’ve cast a wide net, talking to a mix of experienced head coaches, rising coordinators, and promising position coaches. They’ve met the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirements, and by their own count, they’ve formally interviewed 14 candidates - with more possibly on the way, including reported meetings with former Giants coach Brian Daboll and ex-Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Second interviews are already being scheduled, which means the Raiders are narrowing the field. And that’s where the decision gets tricky - because this hire isn’t just about filling a title. It’s about reshaping the identity of a franchise that’s been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency for over a decade.
There’s no shortage of opinions on who should get the job. If the Raiders had landed someone like John Harbaugh or Kevin Stefanski, that would’ve brought instant credibility and a wealth of experience. McDermott, despite falling short in Buffalo, had a strong run with Josh Allen and consistently kept the Bills competitive - even if a certain quarterback in Kansas City kept blocking their path to the Super Bowl.
But experience isn’t everything. In today’s NFL, it’s just as important to connect with players, to innovate, to build something sustainable.
That’s why names like Davis Webb, Klint Kubiak, and Klay Kubiak are in the mix. They’re younger, more attuned to the modern player, and have quietly built strong résumés in their own right.
Webb’s work with Bo Nix in Denver, Klint’s role in Seattle with Sam Darnold, and Klay’s development of Brock Purdy in San Francisco - those aren’t small feats. Each of those quarterbacks made strides under their guidance, and that kind of QB whispering is exactly what the Raiders will need.
Because make no mistake: whoever takes this job will be tasked with developing Fernando Mendoza, the presumed No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft. The Indiana quarterback just led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and declared for the draft.
He’s talented, but he’ll need mentorship, structure, and someone who can both challenge and nurture him as he transitions to the pro level. The new coach will need to build an offense around Mendoza, help him earn the trust of the locker room, and make sure he’s not overwhelmed when Week 1 rolls around.
And then there’s the Tom Brady factor.
The GOAT has been actively involved in the coaching search. As a minority owner, he doesn’t have final say - that still belongs to Mark Davis - but Brady’s influence is real.
Once the new coach is in place, expect Brady to be hands-on with the quarterback room, including Mendoza. His presence alone could be a game-changer, offering one of the most unique mentorship opportunities in NFL history.
Some critics have questioned Brady’s early impact as an executive, but let’s be fair - he’s still learning the ropes in this role. He’s not Jerry West or Steve Yzerman yet, but he doesn’t have to be. What matters is that he’s invested, he’s involved, and he brings a championship mindset that this organization desperately needs.
Over the years, the Raiders have tried just about every type of head coach - experienced NFL names like Jon Gruden and Pete Carroll, coordinators like Josh McDaniels and Dennis Allen, defensive minds like Jack Del Rio and Antonio Pierce, special teams guys like Rich Bisaccia, offensive leaders like Tony Sparano. The results? Two playoff appearances since 2011, both ending in Wild Card losses.
There’s no magic formula. Look at last year: the Bears hired Ben Johnson, a young offensive mind who helped transform their offense.
The Patriots brought in Mike Vrabel, a veteran coach with deep ties to the franchise. Both teams are thrilled with the results - New England even punched its ticket back to the Super Bowl.
So the Raiders know they can’t afford to miss this time.
Credit general manager John Spytek for not rushing into a hire. He understands what’s at stake - not just for the team, but for his own future.
The Raiders need a coach who can grow with Mendoza, maximize the talents of Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, and use the team’s draft capital to fix key areas like the offensive line, linebacker depth, and secondary. That’s assuming, of course, they keep Maxx Crosby and don’t find themselves needing to replace their defensive cornerstone.
So yes, Raider Nation, the wait has been long - but it’s been purposeful. A decision is coming, maybe even this week.
You may not love the name when it’s announced, but this time, at least, the process has been thorough. And that alone puts the Raiders on better footing than they’ve been in years.