Raiders Search Intensifies: Heavyweights Depart, New Favorites Emerge
HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for a new head coach has entered a volatile and high-stakes phase. Following a 2-15 season that led to the dismissal of Pete Carroll, General Manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady are working to finalize a leader for a franchise that holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the team recently narrowed its focus to a trio of highly-regarded offensive minds, the landscape shifted dramatically in the last 48 hours as two top targets secured positions elsewhere.
The “Stiff Competition” Reality
Earlier this week, the Raiders conducted pivotal second interviews with Joe Brady (Bills OC), Brian Daboll (former Giants HC), and Davis Webb (Broncos QB coach). However, the “Silver and Black” were unable to close the deal with two of those finalists:
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Joe Brady: Despite a strong push from Las Vegas, Brady opted to stay in Western New York. On January 27, the Buffalo Bills officially promoted him to head coach on a five-year deal, choosing to prioritize his chemistry with star QB Josh Allen over the uncertainty in Vegas.
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Brian Daboll: The former Coach of the Year and offensive guru has also found a new home. Daboll has reportedly accepted the Offensive Coordinator position with the Tennessee Titans, where he will look to rejuvenate his career by developing the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward.
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Davis Webb: The up-and-coming Broncos assistant was considered a dark horse for the Vegas job. However, as of January 29, reports indicate Webb has withdrawn his name from the Raiders’ head coaching search, likely to pursue the vacant Offensive Coordinator role in Denver under Sean Payton.
Who is Left Standing?
With those names off the board, the Raiders’ search has effectively narrowed to two distinct finalists:
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Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC): The current favorite. Kubiak’s stock is at an all-time high as he prepares the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX. Because of his team’s playoff run, the Raiders cannot officially hire him until after the big game on February 8, leading to a “waiting game” that has tested the patience of Raider Nation.
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Ejiro Evero (Panthers DC): The defensive standout remains firmly in the mix. Evero reportedly “wowed” the front office with a comprehensive plan for offensive development and quarterback growth—a necessity if the Raiders plan to use their top pick on a franchise signal-caller like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The coaching staff reset is far from the only movement in Henderson. With the Senior Bowl underway in Mobile, scouts are evaluating prospects to pair with their future coach. Additionally, the team is bracing for a defensive overhaul following Patrick Graham’s departure to the Steelers.
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