For the past few days, it appears like Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, has been the focus of the Las Vegas Raiders’ hunt for a permanent head coach. Pierce is considered the front-runner to take over for Josh McDaniels after he led Vegas to a 5-4 record after his dismissal.
The Raiders’ brass is still searching outside the team for a possible replacement despite this. Earlier in the week, one unexpected name was among them.
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.”
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
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.
