The Las Vegas Raiders are currently without a head coach. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly. On January 5, 2026, owner Mark Davis officially fired Pete Carroll after a disastrous 3-14 season. Now, the Silver and Black are back at square one, and the search for the next leader of the franchise is moving at a breakneck pace.
If you’re looking for a name to put on a t-shirt, you won't find one yet. The headset is empty. But while the seat is vacant, the building is anything but quiet. General Manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady are the ones pulling the strings right now. Brady isn't just a face on the posters anymore; he’s reportedly leading the Zoom calls and sitting across from candidates in the interview room.
The Pete Carroll Experiment That Failed
Nobody saw the Pete Carroll era ending this fast. When the Raiders lured him away from Seattle in early 2025, the idea was "instant culture." Instead, the team cratered. They finished 3-14, the offense looked stagnant even with the reunion of Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, and the defense couldn't stop a nosebleed.
The Raiders haven't won a playoff game since the 2002 season. Think about that for a second. It’s been over two decades of "rebuilding." By the time January 2026 rolled around, Davis had seen enough. The "energy" Carroll was supposed to bring never materialized, and the team looked lost.
Who Is the Raiders Head Coach Candidate to Watch?
The Raiders are currently in the thick of a massive interview cycle. As of January 18, 2026, they have already spoken with 11 different candidates. It’s a wide net. They’re looking for someone who can develop a young quarterback, specifically since everyone expects them to take Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
📖 Related: Why Netball Girls Sri Lanka Are Quietly Dominating Asian Sports
Here is who they have officially interviewed so far:
- Mike LaFleur (Rams Offensive Coordinator)
- Chris Shula (Rams Defensive Coordinator)
- Klint Kubiak (Seahawks Offensive Coordinator)
- Davis Webb (Broncos Passing Game Coordinator)
- Jesse Minter (Chargers Defensive Coordinator)
- Ejiro Evero (Panthers Defensive Coordinator)
- Matt Nagy (Chiefs Offensive Coordinator)
- Vance Joseph (Broncos Defensive Coordinator)
- Jeff Hafley (Packers Defensive Coordinator)
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Pass Game Coordinator)
The Davis Webb Wildcard
One name that is getting a ton of "insider" buzz right now is Davis Webb. He’s only 30. That’s younger than some of the players on the roster. But word out of Henderson is that his interview was "phenomenal." Sports Illustrated’s Hondo Carpenter reported that the Raiders were "pleasantly surprised" by his football IQ.
Webb is currently the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos. He’s credited with helping Bo Nix settle into the NFL. If the Raiders are betting their entire future on a rookie QB like Mendoza, hiring a "QB whisperer" like Webb makes a lot of sense, even if it feels like a massive gamble.
The Rams Pipeline
You might notice a lot of Los Angeles Rams names on that list. That isn't a coincidence. The Rams had the top-ranked offense in 2025, and Tom Brady has a lot of respect for that system. Mike LaFleur is a very strong candidate here. He’s been the OC under Sean McVay for three years, and he knows how to build a high-scoring machine.
👉 See also: Why Cumberland Valley Boys Basketball Dominates the Mid-Penn (and What’s Next)
What Most People Get Wrong About the Raiders Job
People keep saying the Raiders job is "toxic." Is it? Well, yes and no. They’ve fired three coaches in three years. That’s a red flag. In fact, Kevin Stefanski (the former Browns coach) reportedly interviewed with the Raiders this week and then promptly took himself out of the running. He chose to take the Atlanta Falcons job instead.
When a two-time Coach of the Year walks away from your opening, it hurts. But the Raiders have something no other team has: the No. 1 pick and about $90 million in cap space.
Basically, the next coach gets a clean slate. You get Fernando Mendoza. You get a ton of money to spend in free agency. You just have to deal with the ghost of Al Davis and the very high expectations of a fanbase that is tired of losing.
The Antonio Pierce Factor
A lot of fans are still asking about Antonio Pierce. Remember him? He was the interim coach who took over after Josh McDaniels was fired in 2023. He was the "vibes" coach. The players loved him. He got the full-time job in 2024 but was fired after a 4-13 season.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel is Champions League on: Where to Watch Every Game in 2026
Interestingly, Pierce is back in the news. He’s been working as an analyst for CBS, but he just interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job. It’s a weird cycle. It turns out that after seeing Carroll go 3-14, some people think Pierce wasn't actually the problem. But he’s not coming back to Vegas. That bridge has been burned.
What Happens Next?
The Raiders are in Miami right now. Why? Because the National Championship game is Monday night between Indiana and Miami. They are there to watch Fernando Mendoza. They are also expected to meet with Mike McDaniel (the former Dolphins coach) while they are in town.
McDaniel is a fascinating name. He’s quirky, he’s an offensive genius, and he’s available. If the Raiders want to make a splash and give their new quarterback the best possible teacher, McDaniel might be the guy who finally stops the carousel.
Actionable Insights for Raiders Fans
- Watch the National Championship: If Mendoza plays well, the "Fernando Mania" in Vegas will reach a fever pitch, making the HC hire even more focused on offensive development.
- Monitor the Second Interviews: Usually, the Raiders will bring 2-3 finalists back for a second round of in-person meetings. If Davis Webb or Mike LaFleur gets a second call, that’s your likely winner.
- Follow Tom Brady’s Movements: Brady is the X-factor. If he’s seen at a specific coordinator's game or dinner, that candidate has the "G.O.A.T." seal of approval.
The Raiders are currently a ship without a captain, but the map is clear. They need someone who can handle the pressure of Las Vegas and the responsibility of a generational quarterback prospect. Whether they go with a veteran like McDaniel or a total wildcard like Webb, the decision will define the franchise for the next decade.
Current Status: Vacant (Search Ongoing)
Search Leaders: John Spytek (GM) & Tom Brady (Minority Owner)
Expected Timeline: Hiring likely by late January or early February 2026.