Las Vegas Raiders Fire Head Coach, GM, and Offensive Coordinator

Posted on: November 1, 2023, 11:45h. 

Last updated on: November 1, 2023, 11:45h.

The Las Vegas Raiders made a bold move by firing head coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. This decision comes after their disappointing start to the season and a string of recent losses.

With a 3-5 record and currently tied for last place in the AFC West, it was clear that changes needed to be made to spark a turnaround. The Raiders suffered back-to-back losses, including 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 step in as the interim head coach after serving as the linebackers coach this season. Champ Kelly, formerly the assistant GM, will take over as the general manager for the remainder of the season.

This marks the 12th head coach change for the Raiders since their last playoff victory in 2002, and it’s the fourth time since 2008 that they have replaced their head coach during a season.

McDaniels Fired After 25 Games

Josh McDaniels had a six-year contract with the Raiders, but his tenure lasted only 25 games before being let go. During his time as head coach, he accumulated a 9-16 record since taking over in 2022.

McDaniels’s first season with the Raiders resulted in a disappointing 6-11 record, considering the team’s previous success. The Raiders made the playoffs in the season before his arrival with a 10-7 record. However, the team made changes, parting ways with Derek Carr and bringing in Jimmy Garoppolo as their quarterback.

After Week 3, McDaniels became the favorite to be the first head coach to lose his job this season.

This is the second time McDaniels has been fired midway through his second season as a head coach. He previously had an 11-17 record with the Denver Broncos before being let go in 2010 after 28 games.

Mark Davis has stated that he will be seeking a new head coach and general manager during the offseason. Possible candidates for the head coaching position include Brian Flores, Jim Harbaugh, Dan Quinn, and Raheem Morris.

Raiders Struggle with Offensive Woes

Prior to joining the Raiders, Josh McDaniels won six Super Bowls as a coach under Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. The Raiders hoped to replicate this success by bringing him in as their offensive coordinator.

However, the Raiders have struggled to keep up with the high-scoring offenses in their division, such as the Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes and the Las Angeles Chargers led by Justin Herbert. McDaniels failed to build a team capable of challenging these divisional rivals.

Throughout the season, the Raiders have only managed to win three games, all of which were close and decided by a total of nine points. They have not won a game by more than four points and have averaged 14.2 points per game in their losses.

Under McDaniels’s leadership, the Raiders have had one of the worst offenses in the NFL this season. They have averaged only 15.8 points per game, ranking as the third-lowest scoring team in the league. Additionally, their offense has produced just 268.3 yards per game, the second-lowest in the NFL.

The Raiders also have the worst rushing attack in the NFL, with an average of only 70 yards per game, despite running back Josh Jacobs ending his contract holdout.

Betting on the Raiders for the Rest of the Season

The Raiders are currently tied with the Denver Broncos (3-5) for last place in the AFC West. Oddsmakers had low expectations for the Raiders this season, setting their projected win total at just 6.5 over/under.

According to a prop bet at DraftKings, the Raiders have +1200 odds to make the playoffs. However, their chances of missing the playoffs are heavily favored at -3000 odds.

The Kansas City Chiefs, currently tied for the best record in the AFC at 6-2, are favored to win the AFC West for an eighth consecutive season with -700 odds.

Before the season began, the Raiders had +1200 odds to win the AFC West. However, their slow start has caused their divisional odds to drop to +4000.

The Raiders will play their next two games at home in Las Vegas. They will face the New York Giants in Week 9 and the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football in Week 10.

The Raiders are a slight favorite at -1 against the Giants, with quarterback Daniel Jones expected to return from an injury. The Raiders have a 3-5 record against the point spread (ATS) this season, while the Giants are 2-5-1 ATS.