The Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching search entered a new phase this week as the second interviews of three coaching candidates were completed.
The team officially confirmed that two defensive-minded candidates — Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Ayrault and former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who will be the next Baltimore Ravens head coach — had their second in-person interviews, while another candidate — former Miami Dolphins head coach and possible Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel — reportedly had a similar in-person meeting with Raiders brass last Monday that did not proceed. Las Vegas confirmed.
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Compliance meets
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The Raiders officially have 14 candidates on their roster who have interviewed, and the in-person meetings with Everrow and McDaniel put the Silver and Black in compliance with the Rooney Rule (which requires teams to conduct in-person interviews with two outside minority candidates before hiring).
While Everlo is a great defensive mind – we all know how much the Raiders defense needs some TLC – and would be a solid choice to be the next head coach, Las Vegas would be wise to seek a strong offensive mind to lead the ship.
That’s not to say that both Minte and Everrow can’t find a quality offensive coordinator to serve as the architect and orchestrate the Raiders’ next offense.
If either one of them is hired, considering the team owns the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, they will easily ensure that the offense gets as much attention as the defense. Assume Las Vegas uses this pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza — once the signal-caller declares his intention to enter the draft.
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In order for the Raiders to get the maximum return on their massive investment at the all-important quarterback position, a quality offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach must be in place. Hence why an offensive head coach is crucial for the Silver and Black.
That’s reportedly what the team is leaning toward.
The main reason why candidates like Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak, Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and Denver Broncos offensive passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb (just to name a few) are ideal candidates for the Raiders is practical.
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Head coaching contracts are typically four to five year deals to ensure a long-term approach. Hiring an offensive-minded coach like Kubiak, LaFleur or Webb would be a great way to develop Mendoza, the presumed No. 1 overall pick, as the head coach to lead the Raiders’ coaching staff.
If that responsibility is tied to the hiring of an offensive coordinator, assuming Minter and Everrow (or another defensive-focused coach) get the jobs, the time frame would certainly be tighter by comparison. The reason is simple: Offensive coordinators who work with defensive coaches can thrive and be handpicked by another team to become their head coach.
Hindering the continued growth of Mendoza and other key elements of the Raiders’ offense — like tight end Brock Bowles and top-ranked running back Ashton Jeanty — could be detrimental. Having a long-term head coach along with an offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach provides long-term stability.
Now I know what you are thinking. Stability and strategy are not synonymous. Based on historical data, you’re right. But to change that narrative, Las Vegas must move forward.
The head coaching choices made by Las Vegas general manager John Specter and minority owner Tom Brady will have a ripple effect on the team’s performance this offseason.
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Brady, the lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports, does have some silver linings this weekend as he will call the NFC Championship Game between the Rams and the host Seahawks. He’ll get another bird’s-eye view of Kubiak, LaFleur and even Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula in the broadcast room. This will give the minority shareholder more insight to help him and Spytek make informed decisions.
Finally, with all the news about coaching vacancies (like the Buffalo Bills firing Sean McDermott ) and recruiting (Kevin Stefanski to the Atlanta Falcons , Jeff Hafley to the Miami Dolphins , McDaniel to the Chargers ), I got to thinking: Has Kliff Kingsbury found a job since the Washington Commanders decided to resign their former offensive coordinator?
Kingsbury’s frontline has been quiet, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler brought up an interesting topic: If Weber gets the head coaching job — he’s on the radar of the Raiders, Ravens and potentially the Bills — Kingsbury would be named Webber’s offensive coordinator. I mention this because Brady and Kingsbury have a decades-long friendship that dates back to 2003 when both were quarterbacks for the New England Patriots.
That being said, Las Vegas’ next head coaching hire probably won’t happen for a while. As the presumptive leading candidates battle for titles in their respective conferences this weekend.
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But hopefully next week we’ll find out.