The Las Vegas Raiders gave fans a treat on Halloween (or Nov. 1 if you’re on the East Coast) after they fired coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. After a dismal performance on national television against the Detroit Lions, enough was enough, right? Well, at least Mark Davis thought so.
Las Vegas dumping the news in the middle of the night caught many off guard. Even though the NFL and sports media on the East Coast were probably asleep, there was still plenty of reaction to the firing.
Let’s dive into what some media members said about the Raiders deciding to go in a different direction.
What was the media’s reaction to the Raiders firing Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler?
While McDaniels and Ziegler were on the hot seat, it’s one thing to speculate on a firing and another for the franchise to pull the trigger. However, with the Raiders issues airing out on “Monday Night Football,” there was no way for the Silver and Black to sweep this under the rug.
Las Vegas’ loss to the Chicago Bears two weeks ago wasn’t on primetime. Furthermore, everyone watching the 26-14 loss to the Lions this week saw Davante Adams show his frustration. Viewers also saw Jimmy Garoppolo struggle to get the ball to any receiver.
The entire situation with McDaniels appeared to be reaching its boiling point. All it took was for the now-former Raiders head coach to embarrass himself in primetime to be the stick that broke the camel’s back.
There were some NFL and media members up late when Las Vegas decided to drop the news. Some were ready for this day to come, such as Moe Moton. Meanwhile, others, like Amber Theoharis, weren’t expecting this kind of news to drop, as you can see by her outfit.
From serious opinions to lighthearted reactions, here’s what some had to say:
How many times did I have to say it?
What more did we need to see from the #Raiders?
Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler had to go.
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) November 1, 2023
@Raiders A lot of things I don't say because I know my words carry weight. And the players can't say it because they are in the fire. But I felt like this was a repeat 94 season. When internally we knew we had a problem but you couldn't say it publicly. And We all remember the
— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) November 1, 2023
#Raiders fans who called for this have to give Mark Davis credit for pulling the trigger after only 25 games
He’s still on the hook to pay McDaniels for the next 4 years
It’s been bad for awhile now but to eat that much money is crazy.
The right move for the future of his…
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) November 1, 2023
Why are the Raiders firing McDaniels in the middle of the night? On a Tuesday?
— Taylor Mathis (@TMathSports) November 1, 2023
The #Raiders have scored fewer than 20 offensive points in all 8 games in 2023 which is the longest such streak to open a season since STL & WAS in 2009
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) November 1, 2023
I like this. All Raiders firings need to occur around midnight on Halloween. https://t.co/cBKos2Bob0
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) November 1, 2023
When @raiders news breaks after midnight on Halloween, you do radio updates dressed as … wait for it… Chucky?????? #defineirony#cantmakethisup #nfl #nodaysoff pic.twitter.com/0uqDSOsDsg
— Amber Theoharis (@AmberTheoharis) November 1, 2023
Josh McDaniels as an NFL head coach:
3-0 vs Bill Belichick
0-1 vs Jeff Saturday— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) November 1, 2023
Summarizing the Josh McDaniels era
There will be a lot more profound and insightful pieces written on why the McDaniels era in Las Vegas failed miserably. Nonetheless, the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow highlighted some low points over the last two seasons that many Raiders fans will want to forget.
Let’s start with the record. McDaniels went 9-16 as the Raiders coach, and if you want to combine his record with the Denver Broncos, McDaniels is 14-33 as a head coach.
Additionally, the former Raiders HC also lost to an undrafted D2 rookie quarterback, who was making his first start when Las Vegas fell to the Bears. Then there’s losing to a high school coach in Jeff Saturday, who was coaching in his first NFL game last season.
Finally, the most recent game was eventually the final nail in the coffin. McDaniels’ offense had the fourth game in franchise history with 80 or fewer yards rushing and passing. Despite having arguably the best wide receiver and quality depth behind him in the passing and running games, the Raiders offense has been a mess this season.
The McDaniels era is over, so let us know how you’re feeling, Raiders fans. Furthermore, in what direction does this team go now? Do you still think this squad can compete for a playoff spot, or are you more focused on the new regime that comes in?
*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images
By Tony Brucks
HALLEUJUAH!! HALLEUJUAH!!
THE WICKED WITCH IS DEAD ON HALLOWEEN!
FOR THE PLAYERS: You are now playing for yourselves and the team. By that I mean if you play well you increase your stock value for future contracts either here or another team.
HAVE FUN!! Its been too long since you had fun so be serious about your job but have fun while doing it. You are pretty much not going to make the playoffs so you are playing for yourselves.
Let the new coach do his thing and listen to him. We literally have only one direction to go and that is…UP.
Recapture that spark for this game you had as a kid and lets get that “eye of tiger” back for getting it done on the field…and have fun. Yes its a business but its still a GAME too!
(by GTHANG)
Hooray!! Better late than never but props to Mark Davis for eating upwards of $50 mil to get these petty, egotistical clowns out of the building.
Antonio Pierce is the right choice for interim coach. Tough, honest, respected . . . In other words, the exact opposite of McDaniels. As bad as it was to shove Bisaccia out the door and bring in these self-important nerds, at least MD didn’t double down and put us all through another year of it.
We’re much worse off than when they got here, but we can celebrate their departure.
It’s about time that they did this they should have known when they had trouble when you look at he did the Denver and just because he came from Bill belichick doesn’t make him the greatest coach looks like Mark Davis might have saved some other teams the heart ache of putting him as a coach but I hope some other team picks him up so we can walk on them
I’m very happy with the firing. I’ve been calling for his head since last year. I’m 78 and been a Raider fan For about 60 years. I say go get Rich Bisaccia he had the team going the right way before the Mcdanial’s mistake. The players loved him and played hard for him. I’m sure the Packers would let him go. I’m not sure he would come back. Let’s give it a try. Thanks Phil
This team is in total disarray. Contrary to popular belief, AOC is not the answer. They need a QB u
Finally! Mark please clean the stench of the Patriot way out of Las Vegas. The success was only because of the abilities of Tom Brady running the New England offense. Without him; look at them now? As the offensive coordinator McDanials had success, but he has no clue on how to control the function of a professional football team. He lost the locker room! Good riddance. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Thank you Mark Davis. Please get a professional NFL experienced coaching staff to run this organization. I would like to see the greatness of the Raiders again! I have loved them for over 50 years.
Bozo the Clown could have done better to start this season.
How many times did I have to say it? What more did we need to see from the #Raiders? Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler had to go.
Feel like we all just got a tumor removed!! Didn’t think Mark had the stones to do this, but kudos for standing up for all of us!!