The Las Vegas Raiders are deep into one of the most wide-ranging head coaching searches in the NFL this offseason - and they’re taking their time. After parting ways with Pete Carroll following a tough three-win 2025 campaign, the organization has already interviewed 14 candidates. But with several top names still coaching in the postseason, it looks like the Raiders are content to wait at least another week before making their final call.
And that delay makes sense. Of the 11 candidates still in play who haven’t landed head coaching jobs elsewhere, six are still chasing a Super Bowl.
That includes two names who’ve generated the most buzz in Raider Nation: Klint Kubiak and Davis Webb. Both are young, offensive-minded coaches with rising stock - and both are still in the thick of the playoff hunt.
But there’s another name emerging from the shadows of this search: Mike LaFleur. The Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator hasn’t been front and center in the rumor mill, but he’s very much in the mix. According to league sources, the Raiders have a strong interest in LaFleur, and with his team still alive in the postseason, he's a name to keep an eye on as the hiring window narrows.
Let’s break down why LaFleur is gaining traction - and why he might just be the right fit for a Raiders team looking to reset its identity.
A Closer Look at Mike LaFleur's Resume
LaFleur brings five years of offensive coordinator experience to the table. His first two seasons with the New York Jets were rocky, but context matters. He was working with a quarterback carousel that included Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, and Chris Streveler - not exactly a dream lineup for any play-caller.
Since joining the Rams three years ago, LaFleur has seen his responsibilities grow, and in 2025, he helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in football. The Rams led the league in scoring, total yards, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. They also finished seventh in rushing yards and 14th in rushing touchdowns - a balanced attack that showcased LaFleur’s ability to scheme effectively across the board.
And let’s not overlook the coaching pedigree. LaFleur is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree, a group that has already produced several successful head coaches including Matt LaFleur (his brother), Zac Taylor, Kevin O’Connell, and Liam Coen. That kind of lineage carries weight in today’s NFL, especially for teams looking to modernize their offense.
A Potential Pairing with Fernando Mendoza
If the Raiders do go with LaFleur, the timing could be ideal. Las Vegas is expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. LaFleur’s offensive system - which emphasizes timing, rhythm, and quarterback-friendly reads - could be a perfect fit for Mendoza’s skill set.
There’s even buzz that LaFleur could bring along Nathan Scheelhaase, another young coach still in the playoffs, as his offensive coordinator. That pairing could give the Raiders one of the most forward-thinking offensive staffs in the league, built around maximizing the talents of a rookie quarterback.
And it’s not like Mendoza would be starting from scratch in terms of weapons. The Raiders already have a promising group of young playmakers, including tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, running back Ashton Jeanty, and wide receivers Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont’e Thornton Jr. That’s a lot of young talent for an offensive-minded coach to mold.
Why LaFleur Makes Sense for Las Vegas
At just 38 years old, LaFleur represents the kind of long-term investment that could finally bring stability to a franchise that’s been searching for it for decades. While Kubiak and Webb are certainly intriguing - and have captured the attention of fans - LaFleur offers a compelling blend of experience, innovation, and upside.
He’s coached in high-pressure situations, adapted to different personnel, and helped lead an elite offensive unit in 2025. The Raiders don’t just need a coach who can call plays - they need someone who can build a system, develop a quarterback, and establish a culture.
If Las Vegas does indeed go with LaFleur, they wouldn’t be settling. They’d be betting on a coach who’s already proven he can elevate an offense - and who might be ready to take the next step as a leader of a franchise.
The Raiders are still playing the waiting game, but the picture is becoming clearer. And if Mike LaFleur ends up in silver and black, it could signal a bold new direction for a team hungry to turn the page.