The Raiders’ first season in Vegas got off to a promising start, as they caused upsets against the New Orleans Saints in their home opener, went to-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league and handed the Kansas City Chiefs their only loss so far.
However, as their defence continued to give up over 30 points per game, and struggle to create opportunities for the offence, they quickly saw their losses tally catch up with that of their wins – leading to Vegas firing their defensive coordinator Paul Guenther following a 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
With the Raiders now set to miss play-offs once again, having not been past the wildcard round since 2002 – and with head coach Jon Gruden already three seasons into his 10-year contract – things must change soon.
Here TIBS News takes a deeper look at some of the most likely candidates to fill the vacancy in Nevada, and to finally take the Raiders’ game to the next level…
Rex Ryan
Fit Rating: 1/10
Among those who have been rumoured to fill the vacancy is none other than Rex Ryan. Ryan is no different from the rest in terms of experience, having coached at the college and professional levels of the game in numerous roles since 1987, though he has been out of the league since 2016.
Ryan was known for his passionate and interpersonal approach to players as a coach, which would make him a great fit with Jon Gruden. It would also be a big change from Guenther, who was accused by former Raiders linebacker Will Compton of lacking the ability to relate to and inspire his players.
On the flip side, Ryan’s most recent stint as head coach of the Buffalo Bills saw him relieved of his duties in December 2016, after the Bills defence finished among the worst in the league. And, following his departure, he went on a media rant attacking the team’s decision. As a controversial figure, Gruden might want to think twice about trusting Ryan with his team, and ultimately his own fate.
Rod Marinelli
Fit Rating: 4/10
The Raiders may need to look no further than Rod Marinelli, who took over as defensive line coach earlier this year and is serving as interim defensive coordinator until they find a replacement for Guenther.
The defensive line as an entire unit has been disappointing in 2020, as it has been even since DPOY Khalil Mack was starting for the Silver N’ Black, so Marinelli will not be expected to be up for a promotion anytime soon. As well as this, Marinelli’s reputation is somewhat marred, having been head coach of the 0-16 Detroit Lions in 2008. However, he left Detroit for Chicago and had a stint in Dallas, being hired by both as a line coach and being promoted to DC. He could follow a similar trajectory in Sin City.
After just one season, it is difficult to see that Gruden would promote Marinelli – but if he fails to bring in any more interest, he may have little choice. Besides, Gruden is not one for avoiding making brash decisions and the Raiders are not known for splashing out on coordinators. Marinelli would be a cheap replacement.
Matt Patricia
Fit Rating: 6/10
Matt Patricia has had a 2020 he will want to forget, being relieved of his duties as head coach by the Detroit Lions in November after the team suffered a 4-7 start.
But before taking the head coach role in 2018, Patricia served six seasons as defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots – a role he was much better accustomed to as he saw two of his three Super Bowls in New England while in the role.
While Patricia may not be keen in taking up the position having experienced being a head coach in Detroit, a variety of job opportunities will surely be open to him. As Gruden looks to build a defence to compliment the strong offence, and to compete with the Chiefs, he could give the man behind the Patriots dynasty defence a look. However, Patricia will no doubt be on the look for a second chance as a head coach or perhaps even to reunite with Bill Belichick in Foxborough.
Dan Quinn
Fit Rating: 7/10
Dan Quinn had a rough season with Atlanta this year, one which lost him his job as the Falcons started 0-5. But since his firing, he has garnered a lot of interest from both NFL and college teams – and the Raiders could just become another destination for Quinn.
Despite the disappointing defensive line, the secondary has easily been the Raiders biggest weakness for a number of years and Quinn – who coached the Seahawks famed ‘Legion of Boom’ from 2013-14 – could be the guy to fix it.
While coaching the ‘LOB’, Quinn’s defence in Seattle became the best scoring and yardage defensive unit in the game for two straight seasons. As the Raiders have had the worst scoring defence in the league under Guenther, the hiring of Quinn becomes a lot more attractive to the Raiders.
Wade Phillips
Fit Rating: 9/10
With 44 years of coaching experience, Phillips would offer more than enough experience to a young defence armed only with raw talent. In the days and weeks following the firing of Guenther, Phillips emerged as the clear favourite among fans and media alike to take over the role in Vegas.
At 73-years-old, Phillips would be the second oldest coach in NFL history – just three days younger than Romeo Crennel (interim coach of the Houston Texans). But age has not stopped Phillips yet, as he coached the Rams defence to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 where they fell just short against the New England Patriots.
The potential of the Raiders defence under Phillips is undeniable but to coax the veteran coach back into the league they would need to present an exciting and promising opportunity to him, as well as a rather large cheque. The Raiders have the ability to do both, but do they have the will?
By Kit McIntosh
