It’s a coveted job, arguably one of the glitziest jobs, and certainly, locations and stadiums in the National Football League. The Las Vegas Raiders have an owner in Mark Davis willing to spend big for the right head coach. That right head coach could be New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The Raiders have formally requested an interview with McDaniels, according to a league source.
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Could Josh McDaniels be the next Raiders head coach?
McDaniels is the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL at roughly $4 million annually. And the former Denver Broncos head coach is firmly back on NFL teams’ radar after backing out of a deal previously with the Indianapolis Colts and remaining in New England.
McDaniels didn’t initially jump into the Raiders’ search. There was serious initial interest from Las Vegas and plenty of back-channel communication.
McDaniels has been lauded for his previous work with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady during his New England tenure and this season developing quarterback Mac Jones, a first-round draft pick from Alabama.
He has three Super Bowl victories as an offensive coordinator and was part of the Patriots’ staff for six Super Bowl wins.
McDaniels’ history with the NFL
McDaniels, 45, was previously a head coach with the Broncos 11 years ago. He went 8-8 in his first season after starting the season with six consecutive wins and was then fired after going 3-9 in his second season in 2010.
In 2018, McDaniels was announced as the Colts’ new head coach. However, he withdrew from the position and remained with the Patriots.
Although McDaniels reneging on the agreement had fallout — including agent Bob LaMonte terminating his representation — any hard feelings or hesitation toward McDaniels has eased around the league. McDaniels is regarded as now willing to potentially leave the Patriots. One league source characterized McDaniels’ future as bright.
And the Raiders, especially Davis, agrees. The Raiders have already interviewed Patriots executive Dave Ziegler, who is close to McDaniels and could form a strong tandem in Las Vegas, according to sources.