Raiders Pull Overnight Stunner, Fire McDaniels, Ziegler

by

Nov 1, 2023

In a surprising late-night move-out in Las Vegas, the Raiders made a significant decision that sent shockwaves through the NFL. It wasn’t a trade or a big signing; instead, they chose to part ways with their head coach, Josh McDaniels, and general manager, Dave Ziegler. This abrupt move left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s direction and future.

McDaniels’ tenure as the head coach of the Raiders organization came to an end after just about a year and a half, spanning 25 games in total. During his time at the helm, the team posted a record of nine wins and 16 losses. 

The expectations were high for the Raiders last year, especially after acquiring star receiver Davante Adams from Green Bay and bolstering their defense with the addition of Chandler Jones. However, this year’s struggles with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and a diminished sense of optimism led to a swift decision by team owner Mark Davis to part ways with McDaniels, marking yet another coaching change for the franchise.

One cannot discuss the Raiders’ recent struggles without mentioning the influence of Tom Brady. Not for his potential ownership involvement with the team but for the stark contrast in coaching success he experienced in New England compared to the challenges faced by former Patriots coaches like McDaniels and Bill Belichick when Brady wasn’t in the building. McDaniels, who was lauded as an offensive genius, had a lackluster tenure with the Broncos before returning to New England to work with Brady. His subsequent move to the Raiders was expected to be a fresh start, but it ultimately led to disappointment.

The Raiders had a promising roster featuring quarterback Derek Carr, dynamic playmakers like Adams and Darren Waller, and a talented running back in Josh Jacobs. Yet, the decision to move on from Carr and Waller and bring in Garoppolo left fans bewildered. It appeared that the team’s front office had a different vision than what was initially promised.

In the end, the firing of Josh McDaniels as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders raised questions not only about his coaching abilities but also about the franchise’s overall direction. While McDaniels had his shortcomings, it was clear that the organization’s decisions played a significant role in the team’s struggles. As the Raiders move forward, they will need to address these issues to regain their footing in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

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Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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