Here are the best coaching options for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022
By: Menachem Ickovitz
To say the 2021 season has been tumultuous for the Las Vegas Raiders is an understatement. From Jon Gruden’s resignation to receiver Henry Ruggs’ DUI resulting in death, there have been plenty of bad headlines coming out of Las Vegas.
While interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia has stabilized some of the issues, it is likely that Owner Mark Davis and GM Mike Mayock will be looking to clean the house from the “Gruden guys” and start the search for a new head coach.
The Raiders have some pieces in place that could make the head coaching job appealing to many. Quarterback Derek Carr has thrown for over 4,000 yards for the 4th consecutive season. Tight end Darren Waller, while currently injured, has been a bright spot over the past few seasons and their defense played well against the Cleveland Browns in Monday’s game.
Whenever an article comes out about a team’s options for a new head coach the same group of names gets bandied about. The truth is it’s important to look at a team’s hiring history. The Raiders often hire coaches who have head coaching experience and have historically been at the forefront of minority hiring. They have also have given up-and-comers opportunities.
Todd Bowles
Bowles is currently the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and if he’s interested in being a head coach again, he would be a great fit for the Raiders. Bowles has won a Super Bowl as a player, an executive with the Green Bay Packers in the mid-’90s and as an assistant to the Buccaneers last season.
He is smart and disciplined; something the Raiders would like in a new head coach. Also, with pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, Bowles’ aggressive playstyle will fit perfectly.
While his first stint as a head coach ended with a 26 ”“ 41 record with the New York Jets, this Raiders team has a lot more talent than those Jets teams did.
Doug Pederson
Doug Pederson was most recently the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He compiled a regular-season record of 42 ”“ 37 ”“ 1 and won Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. Prior to being named head coach of the Eagles, he was an assistant to Andy Reid in both Philadelphia and Kansas City.
Much like Mike McCarthy did a few seasons back; Pederson has taken the year away from the game. This not only makes Pederson a coach that teams will want, but it also doesn’t tie him to how a team is currently doing. For example, Jason Garrett will not be amongst the potential head coaches this off-season because he was fired by the New York Giants midseason. Pederson doesn’t have to deal with explaining a bad showing by his team, as he has no team to worry about. Just as Mike McCarthy’s past faded away.
He has gotten the best out of quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, so he should do well with Derek Carr. Also, Pederson offenses always highlight the tight end, which is great for Darren Waller.
Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore is one of the hot young names on the coaching market. He is currently the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. In just four seasons as an assistant coach, third as OC, Moore has already positioned himself as a quality head coach candidate.
His ability to bring out the best offensively from his quarterback will be very appealing to the Raiders and Derek Carr. He will also get more out of the running game and Josh Jacobs than the Raiders currently are getting from that position.
The biggest question mark about Kellen Moore is who he can fill his staff with. He has only coached for four years and only with the Dallas Cowboys. While he has been under two different head coaches, he might not have the infrastructure that other potential coaches might have.
