Raiders project to hire a head coach who can bring in an elite offensive play-caller originally appeared sporting news. Add Sporting News Click here to select your preferred source.
of las vegas raiders After firing Pete Carroll at the conclusion of the 2025 season, they are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach.
advertisement
Based on their information, Reported an interview request Interviews have been completed, and the Raiders have more than a dozen open candidates.
Not listed among those suggestions are: san francisco 49ers Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was widely expected to receive head coaching interest in 2026.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Dan Grazianohas noted that the Raiders have had interest in Saleh in the past, and predicts that the Raiders will indeed hire Saleh.
“Saleh has been on Las Vegas’ short list in the past, and his performance in San Francisco this season has caught the attention of many around the league. jets The tenure didn’t go well, but that’s true of most of the guys coaching there. “I don’t think teams will be deterred from talking to him again this time because of his tenure with the Jets,” he said.
advertisement
Saleh struck out as head coach of the New York Jets, but did a great job with the 49ers’ defense during his two stints there.
However, this season may have been his best, as the Niners’ defense remained competitive despite numerous devastating injuries.
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Saleh’s hiring is the possibility that he brings in his predecessor. miami dolphins Head coach Mike McDaniel was there as well.
McDaniel and Saleh worked together on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s staff from 2017 to 2020 before Saleh took the Jets job in 2021.
That was the same year McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator, where he remained for one season before taking the Dolphins head coaching job.
advertisement
Although McDaniel’s tenure in Miami ended badly, there’s no denying his blitzkrieg offense with the Dolphins, and he remains one of the most respected offensive minds in the game as a result.
McDaniel would be a top-notch hire, especially for a Raiders team expected to take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
However, McDaniel is drawing attention to the head coaching vacancy, so even if the Raiders hire Saleh, he may not be available.
It’s also worth noting that if he doesn’t take the head coaching job, the offensive coordinator job will be in high demand and there will be competition with the Raiders.
advertisement
However, if McDaniel has to settle for the offensive coordinator job and the Raiders hire Saleh as head coach, Las Vegas would be considered a top candidate to land the former Dolphins head coach because of his connection to Saleh.