If the Las Vegas Raiders want the real “Patriot Way,” you go after the master in Bill Belichick—not the pupil, as they did in Josh McDaniels.
By now, many within Raider Nation have had enough of trying to do things as they do in New England. Now, mind you, both McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler have made it known that coming to the Raiders wasn’t about recreating something. Rather, they’re taking the lessons they’ve learned and applying them in Sin City. Unfortunately, their actions at times contradict that. That’s especially true when looking at their roster and coaching staff. Both of which have plenty of ties to the Patriots in one shape or another. Thus far, the results have not been good.
To be fair, no one who has left the Patriots has experienced success trying to mold an organization in that light. It just doesn’t work. Whether it be coaching or at an executive level, there’s no proof that it works outside of Foxborough. Well, if Raiders owner Mark Davis really wants to win, you go to the master, not the pupil, as he did two years ago by hiring McDaniels. To win, you go after Belichick.
Bill Belichick could be available, do you pull the trigger if you’re the Raiders, Davis, and Dave Ziegler…
Assuming that Davis is indeed tired of losing and getting berated by his own fanbase, something will need to change. As far as Belichick goes, he’s seen better days. His offense has never found its footing without McDaniels at his side; regrettably, the pupil has been unable to find his own mojo. Sometimes you have to call a spade a spade. McDaniels is not an NFL head coach.
Raiders insider and beat writer Hondo Carpenter recently let it be known that Belichick could indeed be available at some point.
“Do not be shocked if Bill Belichick is fired if the Patriots don’t get to the playoffs. I have a lot more on that, and I believe that will come up later in the year.”
That’s great, but is he the answer? It’s a fair question, given Belichick’s age and whether he really wants to start over somewhere else. Another thing to keep in mind is whether that would entail Dave Ziegler staying on board as general manager. Do Raiders fans really want another Jon Gruden-type situation where an old coach gets unchecked power, leading to many miscues? This is going to be a situation worth monitoring.
*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images