Look, let’s be real for a second. If you’re searching for Oakland Raiders news today, you probably already know the team physically plays its home games under the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip. But for a huge chunk of the fan base, that "Oakland" prefix isn't just a geographical error—it’s a lifestyle. Even in January 2026, with the team officially ensconced in Nevada, the soul of the franchise feels like it’s still wandering the parking lot of the old Coliseum.
Today is a heavy day for the Silver and Black family.
A Legend Passes: Remembering Claude "Hoot" Gibson
The biggest story hitting the wires right now isn't about a draft pick or a salary cap maneuver. It’s about history. The Raiders officially announced the passing of Claude "Hoot" Gibson today, January 17, 2026. If you weren't around in the early 60s, you might not realize how vital he was. Gibson was a defensive back who played for the team from 1963 to 1965.
He didn't just "play." He was part of the foundational shift when Al Davis first took over as Head Coach and GM.
Think about this: the Raiders went 1-13 in 1962. Then Gibson shows up, and they flip the script to 10-4. That kind of turnaround is unheard of. He finished his career with 22 interceptions, nine of those in the Silver and Black. He was also a lethal punt returner, still holding a share of the franchise record with three career punt return touchdowns. It’s a reminder that while the jerseys move, the lineage stays.
The 2026 Coaching Carousel: Tom Brady’s Big Move
While we honor the past, the current state of the organization is, frankly, a bit of a mess. But it’s an exciting mess. The big Oakland Raiders news today—or rather, the Las Vegas Raiders news that everyone in Oakland is still obsessively tracking—revolves around the hunt for a new head coach.
The Pete Carroll experiment is over. It lasted one season. A 3-14 finish will do that to you.
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Now, the search is getting serious. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported today that the Raiders' brass, including minority owner Tom Brady and GM John Spytek, are heading to Miami. Why? Because they have a Monday interview scheduled with Mike McDaniel.
Yes, that Mike McDaniel.
He was let go by the Dolphins just last week after four years. It’s a fascinating pivot. McDaniel is known as a bit of a "mad scientist" on offense. Considering the Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, pairing a guy like McDaniel with a potential franchise QB like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the kind of move that keeps fans up at night.
Who Else is on the Shortlist?
It's not just McDaniel. The team has been busy. They’ve already churned through interviews with a wide variety of candidates. Honestly, the list is kind of exhausting:
- Jeff Hafley: The Packers defensive coordinator who just finished an interview on Thursday.
- Kevin Stefanski: The former Browns coach looking for a second act.
- Jesse Minter: Currently the DC for the Chargers (yes, stealing from a rival).
- Ejiro Evero: The Panthers DC who has been a hot name for three cycles now.
- Matt Nagy: The Chiefs' OC. (Though many fans are skeptical of hiring anyone from the Reid tree after the Josh McDaniels disaster).
It feels like John Spytek is trying to be "meticulous." That's the word he used in his presser. He said they aren't "beginning with the end in mind." Basically, they’re casting a massive net to see what sticks.
The No. 1 Pick and the Mendoza Factor
Let’s talk about that top pick for a second. Winning the season finale against the Chiefs was a weird moment. On one hand, you beat KC. That always feels good. On the other hand, it actually helped secure the No. 1 overall pick for 2026.
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The buzz around Fernando Mendoza is real.
Raiders officials are literally going to be in the stands for the National Championship game on Monday to watch him play for Indiana. If they hire McDaniel on Monday morning and then watch Mendoza win a title on Monday night? That’s a franchise-altering 24 hours.
There’s also talk about Ashton Jeanty, the standout running back who’s currently a finalist for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year. The Raiders actually have some young talent. They just haven't had the "chef" to cook the meal properly.
Why the "Oakland" Label Still Sticks
You’ve probably noticed that even though the move to Vegas happened years ago, people still search for "Oakland Raiders news." It’s not just a typo. There’s a deep-seated cultural connection to the East Bay that hasn't faded.
The "Black Hole" wasn't just a section in a stadium; it was a vibe.
A lot of the current news cycles, like the passing of Claude Gibson, remind us that the team's identity was forged in Oakland. The grit, the "Commitment to Excellence," the "Just Win, Baby" mantra—all of that was born in the dirt of the Coliseum.
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Even today, you’ll see more Silver and Black in the streets of Oakland than almost any other gear. It’s a multi-generational thing. Grandfathers who watched Gibson are now explaining to their grandkids why the team is currently interviewing a guy like Mike McDaniel.
The 2026 Offseason Checklist
If you're a fan trying to keep track of everything, the calendar is about to get very crowded. March 11 is the big day—that’s when the new league year starts and free agency officially kicks off.
The Raiders have 24 players hitting the market.
Eighteen of them are unrestricted. That is a massive chunk of the roster that could simply vanish. Names like Maxx Crosby—who just won his fifth straight Commitment to Excellence Award—are the bedrock, but the supporting cast is going to look wildly different by the time training camp rolls around.
What to Watch For Next:
- The Monday Interview: If Mike McDaniel leaves Miami without a deal, does he go straight to the Chargers for an OC job? The stakes are high.
- The Mendoza Scouting Report: After the National Championship, the draft boards will lock in. Is Mendoza the guy, or does the No. 1 pick become a trade-down candidate?
- The "Future" Signings: The team already signed 12 players to reserve/future contracts, including guys like WR Brenden Rice and LB Jamin Davis. These aren't stars, but they are the depth that wins games in December.
The journey from a 3-14 disaster to a playoff contender is long. It usually takes more than one offseason. But with Tom Brady in the owner's box and the No. 1 pick in the pocket, the "news today" is actually the most optimistic it’s been in years.
Whether you’re in the East Bay, the Nevada desert, or anywhere else in the world, the Silver and Black are at a massive crossroads. The next 48 hours in Miami might just define the next decade of the franchise.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep a close eye on the official tracker for the Head Coach search. With the interview cycle moving into its third week, a decision is likely imminent before the NFL Scouting Combine starts on February 23. You should also check the "Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year" voting—Ashton Jeanty is a legitimate contender, and fan votes stay open until January 30.