The Las Vegas Raiders are poised for a pivotal Sunday, even though their season ended weeks ago. With the NFL’s conference championship games set, the team’s next head coach might be coaching or calling plays in those contests.
Minority owner Tom Brady, a key figure in the search alongside general manager John Spyket, could be conducting in-person evaluations. Brady will be the analyst on Fox’s broadcast of the NFC Championship between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, giving him a close look at potential candidates.
The Raiders have already conducted virtual interviews with several coaches from playoff teams, including Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LeFleur, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. They also interviewed former Coach of the Year Brian Daboll on Saturday.
Per league rules, in-person interviews with coaches from teams still in the playoffs cannot occur until Monday, when those teams are either eliminated or on a bye week before the Super Bowl. The interview window closes for Super Bowl-bound coaches on Feb. 1 and reopens after the game.
One intriguing possibility is a pairing of Shula as head coach and Scheelhaase as offensive coordinator, potentially mentoring quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza. Webb, a trendy candidate, could bring his college head coach Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Webb is also a candidate for the Buffalo Bills’ opening, but if the Broncos win Sunday, the Bills cannot interview him during the bye week while the Raiders can.
Joseph’s elite defense will be tested, but his prior head coaching experience makes him a known commodity. The Raiders’ decision-makers will be watching closely, as other teams with openings are also pursuing some of the same candidates.
