There’s something about the “Patriot Way” that Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis can’t seem to let go of; current New England Patriots boss Bill Belichick could be in play after all.
Raiders fans rejoiced not long ago when Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler were given the boot. No matter how you look at it, the product on the field wasn’t translating into success. The defense, so long the Achille’s heel, turned it around, but McDaniels’ offense was, for all intents and purposes, flatlined. Davis had seen enough. However, the belief that the Patriots still have an influence over the owner isn’t far-fetched. Tom Brady, who’ll likely be a minority owner at some point, appears to have Davis’s ear.
It is uncertain if Brady will lean towards fellow Michigan Wolverine Jim Harbaugh, which is the stuff that conspiracy theories are made of. What is a fact is that Bill Belichick might be in play for the Raiders. We can hear the collective groans and sighs from Raider Nation already.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Raiders will be looking to get a word in with Belichick real soon.
“There are other organizations, like the Commanders and Raiders, hoping to get a chance to meet with Belichick. There are more teams in the shadows, but that will depend on the outcomes of Week 18 games and playoff results.”
The “Patriot Way” didn’t work for the Raiders, so why Bill Belichick?
Josh McDaniels was leading the Raiders towards a complete nosedive. It was Antonio Pierce’s leadership in the interim that led to the Raiders salvaging some of their season. There was no bigger statement than annihilating the Los Angeles Chargers a few weeks ago. One look at the locker room in Las Vegas, and you can see the squad genuinely backs Pierce. In fact, stars such as Davante Adams and Antonio Pierce have publicly stated as much.
Russini was quick to remind everyone, though, that whether it’s Pierce or someone else, Mark Davis will have to follow procedure.
“Even if owner Mark Davis wanted to hire Antonio Pierce, he couldn’t officially make him the head coach right after the Raiders’ final game Sunday. Ownership is required to interview at least two external candidates who are minorities to abide by the NFL’s Rooney Rule. The player endorsements for Pierce have been strong the last few weeks, and it’s apparent he has the locker room’s trust.”
When you look at the lack of success that the Patriots have had the last few years, going with Belichick is dubious at best. Historically, he’ll go down as one of the greatest coaches ever, but has the game passed him by? More importantly, would you really hand him the keys to the organization, as he’d likely want the same power as he holds in New England?
You have to sever this affection for the Patriots sooner or later.
*Top Photo: Getty Images