The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for a full-time head coach has seemingly keyed in on interim guy Antonio Pierce over the past several days. After leading Vegas to a 5-4 record following the firing of Josh McDaniels, Pierce is seen as the favorite to land the job.
This has not stopped the Raiders’ brass from looking outside of the organization for a potential replacement. That includes one surprising name earlier in the week.
We now have some more information on the Raiders’ search for a new head coach. It’s surprising. It could also change the dynamics big time. It includes Tom Brady having some input and his former teammate with the New England Patriots being linked to the opening in Las Vegas.
“The word on the NFL streets over the weekend, when you start connecting dots, was (Mike) Vrabel to the Raiders. Tom Brady [is] intimately involved in the team even though his attempt to purchase 5 to 10 percent of the franchise is yet to be approved by the owners and it might never be. But he is involved, and he and Vrabel are tight.”
Mike Florio of Pro Football talk on Mike Vrabel being linked to the Las Vegas Raiders’ opening
Vrabel played with Brady and the Patriots from 2001-08 and won three Super Bowl titles with the organization. He served as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach the past six seasons before surprisingly being fired after the team’s 2023 campaign came to a conclusion. In his time with the Titans, Vrabel posted a 54-45 record with three playoff appearances.
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Tom Brady input in Las Vegas Raiders coaching decision
It is not yet known who much of an impact Brady’s opinion will have when it comes to Raiders owner Mark Davis making a decision.
What we do know is that the seven-time Super Bowl champion is in the process of purchasing a minimal stake in the Raiders from Davis. That could play a role.
No one is going to question Vrabel’s ability as a head coach. Sure, the Titans struggled in his final two seasons with the team (13-21 combined record). But a lot of that had to do with a lack of actual on-field talent. Vrabel can coach. He’s widely respected around the league.
With all of that said, several Las Vegas Raiders players have gone to bat for Pierce as the full-time replacement. Passing him over for another defensive-minded head coach likely wouldn’t sit well with these players.