A new report claims the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to finally decide who will fill one of their most important roles on the coaching staff, offensive coordinator, in the coming days.
Heading into the month, the Raiders had some very important decisions to make on two key roles in the organization. After firing their previous general manager and head coach midway through the season, the team had to decide if their temporary replacements, Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly, would get the full-time jobs.
Related: Breaking down new Las Vegas Raiders’ GM Tom Telesco’s NFL Draft record, tendencies in free agency
While Pierce finishing the season with a 5-4 record and winning over the locker room helped get the interim tag removed from his title, the organization surprisingly decided to bring in former Los Angeles Chargers GM Tom Telesco to take the same position in Las Vegas. Now, the team must fill out Pierce’s staff and the all-important offensive coordinator spot.
Over the last week, the organization has spoken with several interesting candidates, and it seems they are very close to a decision. On Sunday, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported that “Las Vegas is set to make an early decision this week” on the position.
The news came in a report that revealed San Francisco 49ers passing game specialist Klint Kubiak could be the final candidate they talk to about the job.
Why the Las Vegas Raiders must get offensive coordinator choice right
Pierce showed during the season that being paired up with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was a successful combination as the team’s defense got much better as the season went along. However, finding the right offensive coordinator will play a huge role in his future success.
The team will have an elite receiver in Davante Adams and could possibly re-sign two-time Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs. Giving them two strong pieces to work with. The next coordinator will also have to either try and develop 2023 rookie Aidan O’Connell or a quarterback they may select early in April’s NFL Draft.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders set to interview troubling candidate for their offensive coordinator opening
The unit showed promise under Pierce in the final nine games and even had a 63-point outburst against the Chargers. The right coordinator could very well be the difference between the Las Vegas Raiders fighting for a playoff spot in 2024 or being a serious contender to win the AFC West.
USC Trojans assistant coach Kliff Kingsbury and former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy have reportedly been in the running for the job.