The NFL coaching carousel has been spinning at full speed this offseason, and the Las Vegas Raiders are right in the thick of it. With a head coaching vacancy to fill and a front office led by John Spytek and Tom Brady already deep into the interview process-14 candidates and counting-the Raiders are exploring every angle. But Monday brought a twist that could shake up their plans: the Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott.
That move doesn’t just open up a top-tier coaching job in Buffalo-it also puts McDermott himself on the market. And while he might not be the most exciting name to Raider Nation, the idea of pairing him with Davis Webb in Las Vegas is worth a serious look.
Why McDermott Still Deserves a Seat at the Table
Let’s get this out of the way: McDermott isn’t the young, offensive-minded innovator many fans are hoping for. He’s not going to bring the flash or the fresh-scheme energy that’s become so coveted around the league.
But what he does bring is a proven track record. Since taking over in Buffalo, McDermott has guided his teams to the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons and has won at least one postseason game in six straight years.
That kind of consistency is hard to find in this league.
Sure, he never quite cleared the AFC hurdle-largely thanks to a Kansas City Chiefs dynasty that’s blocked plenty of talented teams from reaching the mountaintop-but McDermott’s defenses have consistently shown up. The Bills' playoff shortcomings weren’t about effort or preparation. And while Josh Allen’s presence helped, McDermott played a major role in shaping that team’s identity.
The Case for a McDermott-Webb Tandem
This is where things get interesting. Davis Webb, a rising offensive mind who spent three seasons under McDermott in Buffalo, could be the perfect complement. Imagine this: a veteran defensive head coach who brings structure, discipline, and playoff experience, paired with a young offensive coordinator who could grow alongside rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
That’s the type of balance that could give the Raiders the best of both worlds-a stable, experienced leader overseeing the operation, and a fresh voice guiding the offense and developing Mendoza. It’s a model that’s worked before. And McDermott already trusts Webb, which adds another layer of chemistry that shouldn’t be overlooked.
A Familiar Face Endorses the Idea
Richie Incognito, a name that still carries weight in Raider Nation, has voiced support for McDermott getting a look in Las Vegas. That’s not nothing. Incognito knows what it takes to win in the NFL trenches, and his endorsement adds credibility to the idea that McDermott could bring value-even if it’s not the splashiest hire.
Red Flags and Realities
Let’s be clear-McDermott isn’t without his flaws. The Bills’ inability to reach the Super Bowl despite having an MVP-caliber quarterback is a mark against him.
But context matters. Buffalo’s roster construction didn’t always do him favors, and his defenses were rarely the issue.
The AFC has been a gauntlet, and outside of Joe Burrow and the Bengals, nobody’s consistently taken down Kansas City.
Still, Buffalo’s decision to move on shows the margin for error is razor-thin. And it raises the question: is McDermott ready to jump into a rebuild?
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero suggested that he might not be, especially given his age and recent success. He even called out the Raiders as a less-than-ideal fit.
But that might be underselling what Las Vegas has to offer. With the No. 1 overall pick, plenty of draft capital, and a healthy cap sheet, the Raiders are positioned to build something quickly.
They’re not a finished product, but they’re not starting from scratch either. If McDermott is open to a new challenge, this could be a compelling one.
What About Webb?
Webb’s never called plays before, and that will naturally raise some eyebrows. But he’s earned consistent praise throughout this hiring cycle, and his familiarity with McDermott could ease the transition. More importantly, he might be the right guy to help Mendoza take his first steps in the NFL.
Even if Webb isn’t the head coach, having him in the building could pay major dividends. If he succeeds and gets poached down the line, that’s the kind of problem every team wants-losing good coordinators because they’re in demand. It means something’s working.
Bottom Line: Keep an Open Mind
There’s no indication right now that the Raiders are actively pursuing McDermott. And it’s entirely possible he ends up elsewhere-or takes a year off altogether. But if Spytek and Brady want to cover all their bases, this pairing deserves a spot on the whiteboard.
McDermott brings stability and a winning pedigree. Webb brings upside and offensive creativity. Together, they could provide the structure and spark that Las Vegas needs to turn the corner in a tough AFC landscape.
It might not be the headline-grabbing hire fans are dreaming of-but it could be the one that gets the job done.