The Las Vegas Raiders are at a franchise-defining crossroads this offseason. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a head coaching vacancy still up for grabs, the organization is casting a wide net in search of the right leader to guide the next era of Raiders football.
General manager John Spytek has made it clear: no stone will be left unturned. And judging by the expansive list of candidates the team has already contacted, he's staying true to that promise.
The Raiders' coaching search has included everything from seasoned former head coaches to rising assistants who haven’t even held a coordinator title yet. There’s been a healthy mix of offensive and defensive minds in the mix, but the tilt has clearly leaned toward offense - and for good reason.
All signs point to Las Vegas targeting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in April’s draft. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner is the kind of player you build a franchise around, and if the Raiders are indeed planning to make him the face of their future, it makes sense that they’d want a head coach who can accelerate his development. That’s why their next move - a Monday trip to Miami - is worth watching closely.
Raiders to Meet with Mike McDaniel, Scout Mendoza - All in One Day
The Raiders are entering the third week of their coaching search, and Monday could be a pivotal day in shaping their future. According to reports, they’re set to interview former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami - just hours before attending the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to get another look at Mendoza.
McDaniel, despite a modest 35-33 record and two quick playoff exits over four seasons in Miami, remains one of the most respected offensive minds in the game. His creative play designs, knack for maximizing quarterback strengths, and ability to scheme receivers open have made him a sought-after name in this year’s coaching cycle. He’s also scheduled to interview with the Chargers for their offensive coordinator position on Tuesday, but the Raiders could have a chance to make a strong impression before he heads west.
What makes McDaniel an especially intriguing candidate for Las Vegas is how well his offensive philosophy could mesh with Mendoza’s skill set. If the Raiders believe that McDaniel’s limitations in Miami were more about Tua Tagovailoa’s inconsistencies than his own coaching acumen, then he could very well be the ideal architect to build an offense around a young quarterback with Mendoza’s tools.
A Two-for-One Opportunity in Miami
The timing couldn’t be better for the Raiders. Monday gives them a rare opportunity to evaluate both their potential franchise quarterback and a possible head coach in the same city, on the same day. That kind of proximity - and the chance to see how McDaniel talks about quarterback development just hours before watching Mendoza on the biggest stage of his college career - offers a valuable window into how this pairing could work.
It’s also worth noting that McDaniel’s availability isn’t limited to just head coaching roles. If the Raiders end up hiring a defensive-minded head coach, McDaniel could still be in play as an offensive coordinator - assuming the vision for Mendoza’s development aligns between the two. That kind of flexibility adds another layer of intrigue to how the Raiders might structure their staff.
No Rush, All Due Diligence
Spytek and the front office clearly aren’t rushing this decision, and that’s a good thing. With the No. 1 pick in hand and the potential to reshape the franchise’s identity, this hire needs to be the right one - not just the fastest one. Every interview, every evaluation, every flight to meet with a candidate or scout a quarterback matters.
The Raiders’ methodical approach should be encouraging for fans. They’re not just chasing big names or going with the trendy hire. They’re doing the work - and Monday’s Miami doubleheader could prove to be a defining moment in their offseason.
In a league that rarely offers second chances, the Raiders have a golden opportunity to get this right. And if the pieces fall into place - a dynamic young quarterback and an innovative offensive mind to lead him - the Silver and Black could be on the cusp of something special.