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Raiders Head Coach Search 2026: Candidates and Updates
5 months agoUS
The Las Vegas Raiders have initiated their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Pete Carroll at the start of the 2026 season. Part-owner Tom Brady and General Manager John Spytek are leading the effort, with interviews extending into late January. This article provides a running update on the candidates, interviews, and latest developments in the Raiders' coaching search.
Key Insights
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The Raiders have interviewed at least 13 candidates, including both offensive and defensive coordinators from various NFL teams.
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Notable candidates include Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills OC), Klay Kubiak (San Francisco 49ers OC), Chris Shula (Los Angeles Rams DC), and Jeff Hafley (Green Bay Packers DC).
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Second interviews have been requested for Ejiro Evero, Jesse Minter, and Jeff Hafley.
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Kevin Stefanski, former Cleveland Browns coach, was a candidate but has since been hired by the Atlanta Falcons.
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The Raiders conducted in-person interviews with Mike McDaniel and Ejiro Evero in South Florida, coinciding with the College Football National Championship game.
Why this matters: The selection of a head coach is critical for the Raiders' future success, influencing team strategy, player development, and overall performance. The involvement of Tom Brady adds significant weight to this decision, as the team seeks to build a winning culture and improve its standing in the NFL.
In-Depth Analysis
The Raiders' coaching search involves a diverse pool of candidates with varying backgrounds and levels of experience. Here's a breakdown of some key candidates:
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Offensive Coordinators:
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Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills):: Led a high-scoring Bills offense in 2025, ranking fourth in the NFL in total offense. His previous experience includes a stint as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator.
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Klay Kubiak (San Francisco 49ers):: Directed an offense that ranked seventh in total offense and fifth in passing offense in 2025, contributing to the 49ers' playoff appearance.
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Mike LaFleur (Los Angeles Rams):: Guided the Rams to lead the league in scoring and total offense in 2025. His previous experience includes being the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets.
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Defensive Coordinators:
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Chris Shula (Los Angeles Rams):: Led a strong Rams defense that finished 10th in scoring defense in 2025. His unit showcased a strong pass rush and red zone efficiency.
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Jeff Hafley (Green Bay Packers):: Engineered a significantly improved Packers defense, finishing fifth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense in 2025.
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Ejiro Evero (Carolina Panthers):: Has a track record of leading top defenses, including a top-10 defense with the Denver Broncos in 2022. Has experience with the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl LVI run.
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Jesse Minter (Los Angeles Chargers):: Minter, who previously coordinated the nation's top defense at Michigan, brings a pedigree of success and a modern approach to defensive strategy.
The Raiders' approach to this search involves a thorough evaluation of candidates with both head coaching experience and coordinator roles, indicating a commitment to finding the best fit for the team's long-term goals.
FAQs
Who is leading the Raiders' head coaching search?
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A:: Part-owner Tom Brady and General Manager John Spytek are leading the search.
How many candidates have the Raiders interviewed?
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A:: As of January 19, 2026, the Raiders have interviewed at least 13 candidates.
Which candidates have been requested for a second interview?
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A:: Ejiro Evero, Jesse Minter, and Jeff Hafley have been requested for a second interview.
Have any candidates been hired by other teams?
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A:: Yes, Kevin Stefanski was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Key Takeaways
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The Raiders are actively seeking a new head coach, with a focus on candidates with strong offensive and defensive backgrounds.
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The involvement of Tom Brady highlights the importance of this decision for the team's future.
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Key candidates include Joe Brady, Klay Kubiak, Chris Shula, Jeff Hafley, Ejiro Evero and Jesse Minter.
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Second interviews indicate a narrowed focus on specific candidates who align with the Raiders' vision.
Discussion
What qualities do you think are most important for the next Raiders head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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