Fewer jobs, better candidates
This is the sixth time since he took over more than 13 years ago that Las Vegas Raiders Mark Davis is conducting a coaching search.
It seems like this year the quality of candidates may be better. Sure, the presence of Tom Brady certainly is appealing to potential candidates. But there is another factor at play that could also be benefitting the Raiders.
There were only six openings and now it’s down to five with New England hiring Mike Vrabel. It is the fewest amount in any of the years that Davis has hired a new coach.
Let’s review:
2024
There were eight openings when the Raiders stick with interim coach Antonio Pierce, who was fired less than a year later to create this opening. New England also fired Jerod Mayo after a year. Two of the eight hires, Los Angeles Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh and the Washington Commanders Dan Quinn advanced to the playoffs.
2022
There were a whopping 10 openings the year Davis hired Josh McDaniels as the head coach. Davis thought he made a big splash in hiring the New England offensive coordinator. McDaniels, in fact, however, was not a big splash. He lasted just 25 games in Las Vegas. McDaniels wasn’t the only busy in the crop. Only three of the hours remain after three seasons, including Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell and Tampa Bay Todd Bowles, who both made the playoffs.
2018
There seven openings in this cycle. But it really didn’t matter. Davis was laser focused on hiring Jon Gruden. That was his only target and he would have brought back Grudem if there were one opening or 32 of them.
2015
There were seven openings when Davis hired Jack Del Rio, who wasn’t considered a big prize.
2012
There were seven openings in this cycle as well. New general manager Reggie McKenzie focused on Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who wasn’t considered a great get, either.
Maybe this time around will be different.