Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has made it clear that he’s not looking for a head coach, not yet, at least.
2021 was off to a hot start for the Silver and Black. Despite Jon Gruden’s conservative approach at times, the offense was clicking, and the defense had finally turned the corner. Unfortunately, the season might have nearly been derailed following Gruden’s resignation and the tragedy surrounding Henry Ruggs III. Lost in those headlines has been Rich Bisaccia’s performance as interim head coach. The team is still very much alive in the wild card race. So, the question is slowly gaining steam, should Bisaccia return?
Davis, for his part, has refused any inquiries about the gig, and rightfully so. When you consider the amount, and size, of the distractions that the Raiders have faced this year, do they need a head coach search on top of them?
Let’s not mince words either; if Davis had his eyes set on a candidate, who’s to say he hasn’t set the wheels in motion already. The fans and those of us on the outside would have no way of knowing. What all of us do know is what’s in front of us. Right now, Davis is playing it the right way by showing support for Bisaccia. That is a topic of debate among Raider Nation right now. Some have made the point that Davis talking to any potential replacements would send the wrong message. Oh, and top of that, it would go against current NFL policy.
As I told @LVGully, I just feel it’s like a boss talking about firing & replacing an employee who will be there for at least 6 more weeks…but needing that employee to be focused/perform (still need to sell tickets). Or like discussing funeral arrangements in front of the dying.
— Shashi Jairam (@ShashiJairam) November 29, 2021
Playoffs?
While no one wants to coach or perform any job with the assumption that they’re a “lame duck,” the NFL is a business. As stated before, if Davis has someone in mind, he’ll do his due diligence soon enough. As Scott Gulbransen of Silver and Black Tonight weighed in, Bisaccia’s title with the Raiders is interim, so if Davis wants another coach, he should go for it.
It’s an interim role…when you have an interim job fill, perfectly acceptable to talk to others and interview if need be. If there is another coach out there you want, you go get him now. No reason to wait unless he’s coaching elsewhere.
— Scott Gulbransen (@LVGully) November 29, 2021
The other part of this conundrum is the playoffs. In all reality, it could be argued that Bisaccia’s job, along with Mike Mayock’s, might hinge on a trip to the postseason. Who’s to say if Las Vegas returns to the playoffs, Davis might just want to keep things as they are? That would surely infuriate a sect of Raider Nation that wants their team to go all in on a young and hip head coaching hire. Regardless, Raider Nation should hope Davis doesn’t enter a vicious loop of mediocrity with his eventual decision. A perpetual circle of sadness much like his preferred hairstyle.
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*Top Photo: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images