This off-season will be the biggest of the Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis’s tenure. Davis believes you have to make a splash in Vegas and he’s not wrong in having that belief. With the failed obsession of Gruden and the miscalculation with Josh McDaniel, Davis needs to get this decision right. The Las Vegas Raiders need stability and a tough-nosed winning culture to be implemented.
The last time the Las Vegas Raiders had an interim head coach it was Rich Bisaccia, who excelled following Jon Gruden’s embarrassing exit. Instead of keeping Rich permanently, Mark Davis turned to McDaniel’s and we all know how that went. So now we have another coach, this time linebackers coach Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach.
This Raiders team has become an entirely different beast, one reminiscent of the former glories. But are the emotions being evoked of a bygone era, 4 wins and 4 losses that include a win over the Chiefs in Arrowhead, is that enough to give AP the keys to the castle?
The NFL’s Rooney Rule will require the Raiders to interview external candidates regardless of whether they want Pierce or not.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Story of Antonio Pierce
With JMD sacked expectations were low, and Antonio Pierce removed the dark cloud that JMD had left. The team’s record under Pierce is 4-4. They did beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead on Christmas Day and they’ve only lost one game by more than one score. Making the most of what your players have to offer is the hallmark of a great coach, Antonio Pierce has done that across the board. On defense this team has been very impressive being a top 10 defense this AP took over.
The defence improvement can be seen not only in ppg but back-to-back games of 2 defensive touchdowns. On offense it has been another story with Aiden O’Connell struggling to move the chains consistently and finding it hard to go through his reads. O’Connell hasn’t been helped by rookie OC Bo Hardegree who has made some odd play calls in critical positions and the game plan suspect.
Pierce has done a fantastic job but hiring him isn’t a sure thing nor should it be. He only started coaching (not even in a coordinator’s position) at the NFL level in 2022. His only head coaching experience is at the high school level. While I may be able to overlook the inexperience due to his leadership intangibles, my main concern is his poor time and game management.
For example, Aiden O’Connell was dreadful in the Vikings game – AP did nothing. The Vikings on the other hand brought in Mullens when Dobbs was struggling and he won the game for them. Something that needs to be considered when making this hire.
Embed from Getty ImagesIs Jim Harbaugh the answer for the Raiders?
Jim Harbaugh’s resume at the San Francisco 49ers will always give owners food for thought. Last time in the NFL after a 6-10 season he took them to a Superbowl which they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens. Jim’s ability to build a program at the NFL level will keep teams interested. His knowledge of the college football landscape will tick boxes as for the next 3/4 years his knowledge of the best recruits will be invaluable.
Mark Davis believes you need a big name if you’re in Vegas and Jim Harbaugh certainly fits that. Jim is also a former player with a proven track record so he may be one of the few guys Davis could hire who hits a similar box to Pierce (instant respect from the players). Jim has just changed agents and did little to throw cold water on speculation as the college playoffs kick off.
A downside to Jim will be him wanting full control as Gruden had and this is where the Raiders can get into hot water. Does Mark want to do that again but more importantly should he do that again?
Embed from Getty ImagesOther Contenders
Dan Quinn
Quinn is a safe choice, a steady hand after years of ups and downs for the Raiders. He will be remembered for letting a 28-3 lead slip in a Super Bowl to the Patriots, but people need to remember he built a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
Quinn elected to return to Dallas after interviewing for several top jobs last offseason. Quinn will be highly sought after again this offseason. The Raiders have some great pieces, Quinn can draft his own QB, and has cap space to play with.
Ben Johnson
When looking at the up-and-coming Offensive Coordinators you can’t look past Ben Johnson (Lions) or Frank Smith (Dolphins). Johnson is a sought-after name and it would be foolish if the Raiders did not interview him. The Lions and Jared Goff have become one of the better offenses, that is no small part due to Johnson.
The Lions offense averaged 25.0 ppg which ranks them eighth in the NFL when it comes to points scored. Johnson will be highly sought after again by owners this off-season, he was interviewed by the Colts and Texans last off-season.
Frank Smith
Frank Smith has worked for the Raiders before as a tight ends coach between 2018 and 2020. Now could be his opportunity to return as HC bringing some of McDaniel’s magic to Las Vegas. Frank Smith has been a pivotal addition to Mike McDaniel’s success down in Miami, bringing McDaniel’s Offensive ideas to life.
The Dolphins have become must watched TV in the NFL with a top 10 offense in back-to-back seasons. All under the watchful eye of Smith who aside from the high-scoring offense has brought Tua Tagovailoa to life.
What should the Raiders do?
Ultimately the goal for this franchise is chasing rings, the Raiders must not make an emotional hire. They must hire someone who can be the Raiders HC for the next 5-10 years.
This next hire needs to bring stability and the commitment to excellence back to the Las Vegas Raiders. It has been a long wait for the fourth ring and this hire will dictate how much longer.
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Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Yup – you have to make a splash in Vegas.
Where are the Las Vegas Raiders originally from?