A former All-Pro wideout offers a cautionary tale for these candidates to consider as the Las Vegas Raiders intensify their search for their next head coach.
If you’re a Raiders fan, offseasons like the current one have become the norm. The Raiders have once again made significant changes, exemplifying the concept of instability. This past week, the Raiders let go of both Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce, leaving the two most important positions vacant. Maybe it’s a cautionary tale for some of these big names that have popped up on the figurative radar—are the Raiders a serious organization?
Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson says Raiders owner Mark Davis will “fire you as well.”
Most people are aware of the prominent names that are under consideration. The “big” target is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. People view the young offensive coordinator as the next hotshot prospect, similar to Josh McDaniels, another former Raiders head coach. It wasn’t that long ago that McDaniels was the most sought-out candidate until the Denver Broncos gave him a chance. Fast forward a few years later, and he got a second chance in Sin City.
McDaniels shared the same fate as Dennis Allen and Jack Del Rio. You see the pattern here? Indeed, the Raiders are once again lining up potential candidates. Alongside Johnson, Deion Sanders also gained traction over the weekend. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and current head coach at the University of Colorado was reportedly interested in the Las Vegas gig. Though the interest apparently isn’t mutual, Chad Johnson offered Sanders some advice when it comes to the Raiders during a segment of “Nightcap.”
“The greatest, the G.O.A.T., Primetime, will have a very short leash, and Mark Davis will fire you as well. Even with the understanding that you have nothing to work with and you have no quarterback. Now if the situation is resolved and you have a veteran presence. Or maybe they just happen to find a way to go all the way up and go and get Shedeur. Now we’re talking.”
While Johnson was indeed talking about Sanders, the truth is, this could be said about any big name. Time and again, Davis has demonstrated his impatience as an owner, or in other instances, his tendency to delay decisions. Either way, his track record in hiring head coaches is dreadful. However, Tom Brady, the new minority owner, is the key X-factor this offseason. Maybe things will turn a new leaf in Las Vegas.
What Johnson mentioned about the quarterback position is undoubtedly true. Does it really matter who the next head coach is if Aidan O’Connell is your QB1?
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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