Posted on: November 1, 2023, 11:45h.

Last updated on: November 1, 2023, 02:38h.

The Las Vegas Raiders made a shocking move last night by firing head coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. This decision comes after a disappointing start to the season, with the Raiders currently holding a 3-5 record and tied for last place in the AFC West. The team’s recent losses include a 30-12 defeat against the Chicago Bears in Week 7 and a 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.

After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave,” said owner Mark Davis in an official statement. “I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”

Antonio Pierce will now step in as the interim head coach, transitioning from his previous role as the linebackers coach. Additionally, Champ Kelly has been promoted to general manager for the remainder of the season, taking over for Dave Ziegler.

This coaching change marks the 12th head coach for the Raiders since their last playoff victory in 2002. It also represents the fourth time since 2008 that the Raiders have switched head coaches during a season.

McDaniels Fired 25 Games Into His Contract

Josu McDaniels, who had a six-year contract with the team, was let go after only 25 games. During his tenure, he achieved a 9-16 record since taking over in 2022.

Under McDaniels’ leadership, the Raiders went 6-11 in his first season, a far cry from the promising 10-7 team that made the playoffs the year before. The team made changes at the quarterback position, replacing Derek Carr with Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency during the offseason.

Following Week 3, McDaniels emerged as the frontrunner to become the first head coach to be fired during the current season.

This now marks the second time that McDaniels has been fired as a head coach midway through his second season. He previously held the head coaching position for the Denver Broncos, where he went 11-17 and was let go after 28 games in 2010.

Looking ahead, Mark Davis stated that he will seek new head coach and general manager candidates during the offseason. Potential coaching options include Brian Flores, Jim Harbaugh, Dan Quinn, and Raheem Morris.

Offensive Struggles Haunt the Raiders

Despite McDaniels’ previous success as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, he failed to replicate that winning formula in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ offense has struggled throughout the season, averaging only 15.8 points per game, making them the third-worst scoring team in the NFL.

Furthermore, the Raiders have the worst rushing offense in the league, averaging a meager 70 yards per game despite the return of running back Josh Jacobs from a contract holdout.

Betting on the Raiders Moving Forward

Currently tied with the Denver Broncos for last place in the AFC West, the Raiders face an uphill battle for the rest of the season. Oddsmakers initially had low expectations for the team, setting their projected win total at 6.5 over/under.

According to a prop bet at DraftKings, the Raiders are listed at +1200 odds to make the playoffs, making them a long shot to secure a postseason spot. On the other hand, they are heavily favored at -3000 odds to miss the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, with a record of 6-2, are the frontrunners to win the AFC West, holding -700 odds for an eighth consecutive division title.

Regarding the Raiders’ upcoming games, they will play their next two matchups at home. They will face the New York Giants in Week 9 and the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football in Week 10.

As the slight favorites at -1 against the Giants, the Raiders will have to contend with the return of quarterback Daniel Jones, who missed three games due to a neck injury.

From a betting perspective, the Raiders have a 3-5 record against the point spread (ATS) this season, while the Giants are 2-5-1 ATS.