The Las Vegas Raiders hired general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels in 2022 hoping to recreate the ‘Patriot Way’ in Nevada. Less than two years later, it appears as if McDaniels could be running out of time with his second chance as an NFL head coach.
McDaniels, who lasted less than two full seasons as the Denver Broncos head coach (2009-’10), received another opportunity last year in Las Vegas. Team owner Mark Davis wanted to model his organization after the Patriots, leading to the decision to hire Ziegler and McDaniels.
- Josh McDaniels coaching record: 11-23 in last three seasons, 8-14 as Raiders head coach
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The Raiders have since fallen short of expectations. After going 6-11 in 2022, finishing with the most blown halftime leads in NFL history, McDaniels was brought back. Despite bringing in the quarterback of his choice, Las Vegas’s offense has gotten even worse.
Heading into a Week 6 matchup against Bill Belichick and the Patriots, with New England pondering its own coaching changes, it appears McDaniels’ job isn’t as secure as originally thought.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, talk around the NFL is that McDaniels “could be in trouble” if the Raiders don’t start winning games. Las Vegas is viewed to be in “win-now mode”, putting pressure on its head coach to turn things around quickly.
It’s a stark contrast to reporting from before the season. In June, reports surfaced that McDaniels was safe in Las Vegas regardless of how the team performed in 2023. The job security was tied in part to his contract, with Davis still paying former Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden.
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Keep in mind that McDaniels doesn’t have the most favorable reputation among players. The first NFLPA report card revealed numerous issues Raiders players had with their head coach. There have also been instances during the season of Raiders stars Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams voicing their displeasure with the team’s performance and effort level.
Davis will almost certainly give McDaniels the entire season to turn it around. If he fails to do so and Las Vegas finishes with six or fewer wins, it’s very possible a coaching change is made. In that scenario, McDaniels’ time as an NFL head coach is likely over for good.