A shocking new development forces a significant adjustment in the Las Vegas head coach search…
For the last several days, it seems like Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, has been the focus of the Las Vegas Raiders’ hunt for a permanent head coach. Pierce is considered the front-runner to take over for Josh McDaniels after he led Vegas to a 5-4 record after his dismissal.
The Raiders’ brass is still searching outside the team for a possible successor despite this. Earlier in the week, one unexpected name was among them.
Now that we have additional details, we can better understand the Raiders’ head coach hunt. It’s unexpected. It may also significantly alter the dynamics. There are hints that Tom Brady, a former New England Patriots teammate, may have had some influence in the opening in Las Vegas.
When you start making connections, the rumour around the NFL streets over the weekend was that Mike Vrabel was joining the Raiders. Even if the owners have not yet accepted Tom Brady’s bid to buy five to ten percent of the club, it is possible that they never will, despite Brady’s deep involvement with the organisation. However, he is active and close to Vrabel.
Between 2001 to 2008, Vrabel was a player for Brady and the Patriots, winning three Super Bowl championships with the team. Prior to his unexpected dismissal after the completion of the Tennessee Titans’ 2023 season, he was the team’s head coach for the previous six seasons. Vrabel finished his career with the Titans with a 54-45 record and three postseason appearances.
Tom Brady input in Las Vegas Raiders coaching decision
It is not yet known who much of an impact Brady’s opinion will have when it comes to Raiders owner Mark Davis making a decision.
What we do know is that the seven-time Super Bowl champion is in the process of purchasing a minimal stake in the Raiders from Davis. That could play a role.
No one is going to question Vrabel’s ability as a head coach. Sure, the Titans struggled in his final two seasons with the team (13-21 combined record). But a lot of that had to do with a lack of actual on-field talent. Vrabel can coach. He’s widely respected around the league.
With all of that said, several Las Vegas Raiders players have gone to bat for Pierce as the full-time replacement. Passing him over for another defensive-minded head coach likely wouldn’t sit well with these players.
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