So far, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has shown no signs of moving on from general manager Dave Ziegler or head coach Josh McDaniels. However, with the team dropping to 3-4 and a tough remaining schedule, could that tune change in Vegas? Better yet — would the addition of Jim Harbaugh be enough to take Raider Nation off of life support?
The Raiders Must Move On From Josh McDaniels — Now!
First, let’s highlight why moving on from McDaniels is the correct thing to do — this won’t take long. Since arriving in Sin City, the former Bill Belichick protege harped about “doing things the right way.” Shoot, he even sold me on that false bill of goods, albeit only momentarily.
McDaniels, with the help of Ziegler, gutted a playoff roster under the guise of “bringing in their own guys” to run the system more effectively. We won’t touch on the misstep of Chandler Jones out of respect for Jones himself, but that signing was the first of many that didn’t pan out.
The new front office also traded multiple high-end draft picks for All-Pro wideout Davante Adams. Coming off a postseason berth, it made sense to add Adams to the fold. A few other retread veterans made their way to Vegas as well, but all of these moves were for naught, with the Raiders limping to a 6-11 record in 2022.
Derek Carr, the nine-year starter for the Silver and Black, was jettisoned to free agency a few days after the season. Undoubtedly, one of the very reasons the team acquired Adams was to pair him with his college teammate. Seen as the scapegoat by many, including McDaniels, Carr caught the brunt of the backlash for the regression across the board.
Scapegoat After Scapegoat; When Is It Finally McDaniels’ Fault?
Jimmy Garoppolo, the “proven winner”, was said to be the answer behind center. In the offseason, I penned a piece about Jimmy G vs. Derek Carr — I’m sure many of you remember. Strictly from an X’s and O’s standpoint, Garoppolo was a considerable upgrade for McDaniels’ scheme. But one thing I failed to take into account: Is McDaniels’ scheme actually any good?
So far in 2023, the answer is a resounding no. The offense has yet to get over the 20-point mark, as the defense needed a safety to log the only 20+ point game of the year. Garoppolo deserves plenty of the blame, as the supposedly reliable quarterback has turned the ball over at will. And his long track record of injuries followed him from San Francisco, as many predicted.
Bringing in Jimmy G was fine on the surface. His inability to take care of the football, coupled with multiple different injuries, has caused a disjointed feel to the offense. And guess what else? It gives Josh McDaniels yet another scapegoat for his incompetence.
We have already seen McDaniels throw Aidan O’Connell under the bus after an admittedly shaky debut vs. the Chargers. Accountability is not a strong suit of this current regime, and they show it more and more with each passing week.
Even guys like Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Josh Jacobs have voiced their concerns with the state of the franchise. Jacobs is assuredly gone in the offseason after agreeing to a modified one-year deal prior to the regular season. And although Adams will not be moved before the Oct. 31 trade deadline, his future in Vegas is just as murky.
Could Jim Harbaugh Be The Answer In Vegas?
So, what can Mark Davis do to salvage things before they spin completely out of control? Is there something that can be done to guarantee Maxx Crosby doesn’t become the next unhappy voice in the locker room? I believe there is, but you’ll have to bear with me as I lay it out.
Jim Harbaugh is what I consider the polar opposite of Josh McDaniels. Harbaugh, through all his faults, has always had the voice to lead a group of men. He spent several years as a quarterback in the NFL, including an AFC Championship appearance with the Indianapolis Colts. Simply put, Harbaugh’s football brilliance is stamped and respected by any player.
McDaniels, on the other hand, is more of a “rah-rah” type of leader. He loves to speak about accountability and improving day in and day out, but too often, his words fall flat. They feel hollow, uninspired, or outright fake at times. If fans can see through that BS, I assure you football players can sniff it out quickly.
That is why I believe McDaniels has struggled to get his message across in Denver and Vegas. It’s why Tom Brady would have a verbal spat or two with McDaniels nearly every week when the duo was together in New England. Players do not believe him or his “car insurance salesman” pitches.
Authenticity: Selling Raider Nation On Harbaugh
But Harbaugh? He demands instant respect. Sure, his falling out with the Niners is well-publicized — it was an ugly breakup. It also must be mentioned that Michigan is at the center of an extensive cheating allegation from the NCAA. Harbaugh isn’t perfect, but he is one thing McDaniels will never be: Authentic.
In four seasons as the head coach in San Francisco, Harbaugh never had a losing campaign. In total, he went 44-19-1, including one trip to the Super Bowl, where he would lose to his brother, John, and the Baltimore Ravens. For comparison, McDaniels is 20-32, and odds are, this is the last time a franchise gives him the keys to the car.
Jim Harbaugh isn’t some sort of “holy savior”; I won’t claim that. But he is the exact type of culture fit the Raiders need to reverse course. If the franchise keeps following Josh McDaniels’ lead, Raider Nation will begin sharpening their pitchforks — if they haven’t started already.
No more of this “Patriot Way” garbage. The fans gave it a chance. The players gave it a chance. Mark Davis gave it a chance. Now, it is time to do what is right and take this current regime behind the barn. Pull the plug on this disastrous chapter of Raiders football and give the fan base a reason for optimism going forward.
*Top Photo: Adam Bow/Icon Sports Wire via Getty Images
McDaniels clown show has finally wore out his welcome. His Patriots approach worked twenty years ago, but the NFL has far surpassed this style of offense. Defenses can see what’s coming before the snap of the ball. He failed in Denver, and is worst here with a talent rich offense. The problems with the offensive line are more than evident? This has been a problem since day one! His smug attitude has more than wore Raider fans to the brink! Let him go coach a high school team. McDaniels. You are on the clock!
I wanted Harbaugh in the first place! MCD sucks. JH is just what the Raiders need. A kick in the ass!
Let me see, two clowns come in and wreck a roster, piss off a player who runs through a wall to win. Bring in a FRee agent disaster pass rusher because they knew him as a patriot. Cut a special teams snapper alienating the special teams pro bowl kickers room. Can’t talk to media, can’t motivate players or fans. How isn’t he fired along with his GM who he wanted. Fire this owner too, he’s wrecking his Dads legacy. Let’s get back to the RAIDER WAY ! A fan boycott has me signing up.
By Tony Brucks
For anyone with a brain coach Harbaugh has proven he is the “Bruce Bochy” of football.
He had proved he can coach college (twice).
He has proved he can coach pro (put super bowl here).
Coach Harbaugh had already stated he is very interested in/with the Raiders. More than once I believe. If memory serves me correct he wants both positions of coach and GM so he may have full control and get things done correctly.
Bill Walsh also demanded (and got it) the same with the Niners. The results speak for themselves. So if giving this to Harbaugh is some kind of sticking point for hiring him then I strongly suggest to MD to consider what I just said about him having proved himself and for what Bill Walsh accomplished by having both.
Seriously Mr. Mark. Give it serious consideration…please. And btw…I happen to agree with Bill Walsh on this when he demanded this back when he got it.
And if coach Harbaugh cant be the coach then I strongly suggest/recommend Deion Sanders.
But won’t Harbaugh might go down for stealing signs for someone that got caught doing so?? Dude that allegation might ruin him
(by GTHANG)
Sadly, we had the right guy in the building and shoved him out the door. Rich Bisaccia pulled together a team ripped apart by scandal and tragedy, got guys to play with effort and focus, and brought the Raiders within one score of a playoff win against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. On the road.
We replaced him with a petty, mealy-mouthed pencil pusher with zero charisma and an amazing lack of football IQ.
I would welcome Harbaugh but he reportedly loves it in Michigan. The main thing is to get a true leader of men who can rally the troops and get players to play with maximum effort.
Ultimately, football comes down to blocking and tackling. Right now, we don’t do either of those very well.
Finally someone listened to what I wrote I’ve been on different raider sites saying bring Jim harbaugh in he has a proven track record and he’s a whole lot better and Josh McDaniels at least he was the coach of a super bowl team not the offensive coordinator and is getting credit for bringing teams to the super bowl which it was Tom Brady and Bill belichick that did that not the offensive coordinator he should just stick with that under Bill belichick because it seems he can’t win without him or Brady the end
I’m ready for the tar and feathers! He couldn’t get out of town fast enough for my taste!
Why not Bill Cowher? Or Tony Dunge
What happened to “Commitment to Excellence”? The late Al Davis would turnover in his grave seeing this cluster f*@# mess the team has become! This team’s new slogan should be “Commitment to Mediocracy” because that’s what this team is at best. From the owner, coaches, and down to the roster.
The Raiders need a President of football operations to manage and operate the franchise. The organization needs to hire a GM who knows how to run a draft, evaluate talent, deal with the contracts. Lastly, they need to hire a football coach whose sole responsibility is to coach the team, hire the assistants, manage the players. They don’t need a head coach who wants to be GM, President, etc. Look at the 49ers. Lynch is the GM and Shanahan is the coach. K.C. is another good example of where Reid coaches and the GM drafts. The Ravens are another example-Harbaugh coaches and the GM is just that.
No Mr. Hass you conclusion that JG is a better QB that Derek Carr showed you are as qualified to be a journalist at any level (Even the weak RR) as Ms. Daniels is to be a head coach at any level. JG Can’t throw a pass 35 yards (see steelers game), cannot withstand a hit, and aside from that he’s well – not very good. You like many others – do not give Derek Carr the credit he deserves – and to see your name on the byline on any article should also include the disclaimer like on the Raiderdamus articles – that your article should not be read by anyone.
If you truly knew anything about football (hint – you don’t) you would have been pd’s that Bisaccia should have been rehired and Carr should have been retained. Players played hard for Coach Bisaccia and Derek Carr is a leader. Noone cares about MS Daniels and JG can’t lead from the hospital.
Nice job piling on Ms Daniels. You’re only 19 months late.
I would rather not have a guy out of the NFL for 10 years. For once I would like to get a young first time coach with dynamic new offensive ideas – Ben Johnson from the Lions ideally.
I gave JMD a chance too . Probably far past where many other Raider fans went. His coaching style is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hold. He doesn’t play to the rosters strengths and there is no shortage of talent. His inability to lead is also a big problem. Honestly, his success is all thanks to Brady and he knows it.
Imo, anyone is an improvement to JMD right now. I’ve always liked Harbaugh and think he could be a great choice. As long as he doesn’t get nailed for this alleged signal stealing stuff. We deserve better than what we have right now and doubly so for the talent on the Raiders roster. Crosby and Devante…please hang on guys!!
Me too. Never should have brought this idiot in and I’ve been saying it since he was hired!
Haven’t seen a real Raiders team for many years. Sad only a few players dedicated, giving their all to winning. But no matter how good they are it takes a whole team playing with the same focus to win. Would hate to lose them but they deserve to play for a real football team with a real head coach.
Yes , AND a PROVEN Winner !
McDaniel. You are incompetent, unable to come up with any workable game plan, and learned nothing from your time in Denver coaching a football team. The only thing difference is the lines in your face. Your idea of a offensive system is soooo outdated. In my conclusion your time here has expired! The clock must be broke, just like your Bailey to win football games. I have been a Raiders fan for over 50 years, and I have seen greatness and failure in my time. I must say this is certainly scrapping the bottom of the barrel with the product you are putting on the field. It’s more than time for you to go!
He could only put up 26 points on one of the worst defenses in the league. So while I think he is future HC material, he’s not the guy to turn our sinking ship around