AFC West

NFL legend and Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady wasn't a fan of former head coach Antonio Pierce's approach towards the position, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

"It's been well established that Brady wasn't wild about the way things operated with Antonio Pierce, which is one reason why Pierce isn't there anymore," Breer wrote on Monday.

The Raiders fired Pierce on Jan. 7 before parting ways with general manager Tom Telesco just two days later. Las Vegas ended the regular season at 4-13.

Breaking: Raiders have fired HC Antonio Pierce, per @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, and @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/fNWEhP9q5w

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 7, 2025

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously revealed that Brady is part of a collaborative committee that interviews head coaching candidates and supports Raiders owner Mark Davis throughout the hiring process.

Breer noted on Monday that Silver Lake CEO Egon Durban was recently approved after buying 7.5 percent of the Raiders, giving Brady the freedom to tell possible candidates that Las Vegas will have increased financial flexibility to upgrade its roster moving forward.

"Having Durban on the team, in turn, gives someone such as Brady the chance to realistically tell prospective coaches, executives and players that a new day is coming for the Raiders, and the shoestring budgets that could sometimes result from a lack of cash on hand are gone," Breer wrote.

The Raiders have rumored interest in multiple options at head coach, including Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

A top candidate appears to be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, as CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported on Saturday that Brady has been "doing all he can to woo Johnson."

As Las Vegas continues its search for a new head coach, Brady's input on staff decisions clearly carries weight and he could help recruiting efforts moving forward.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reportedly wasn't considering the Las Vegas Raiders in his pursuit of a head coaching position at first, but advice from legendary former quarterback and new Raiders partial owner Tom Brady helped change his mind.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Johnson's "initial plan was to take three interviews" with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, but "Brady's sell job, through intermediaries, made the difference."

Brady, who is also the lead NFL analyst for Fox, was approved to become a limited partner with the Raiders on a 5 percent ownership stake in October. Breer noted that while the 47-year-old isn't making the franchise his sole focus, his influence has already been felt and played a part in the firing of former head coach Antonio Pierce.

"Now, to be clear, I don't think it's Brady's intention to be there day to day—his family being in Florida full-time will likely prevent that for the time being. But I also don't think he's going to put his name on anything that he doesn't feel like he can fully put his name behind," Breer stated. "It's been well established that Brady wasn't wild about the way things operated with Antonio Pierce, which is one reason why Pierce isn't there anymore."

Brady's business partner, Tom Wagner, also purchased a 5 percent stake in the franchise, and Silver Lake CEO Egon Durban bought 7.5 percent of the team. Breer pointed out that Brady will have the "chance to realistically tell prospective coaches, executives and players that a new day is coming for the Raiders, and the shoestring budgets that could sometimes result from a lack of cash on hand are gone."

Still, the Raiders are facing important questions this offseason, as they need a new general manager and a long-term answer at quarterback. Johnson and other candidates could choose to seek a situation with more stability.

However, if the Raiders are able to land Johnson or another top option, Brady's presence will likely be a key reason why.

Jim Harbaugh's makeover of the Los Angeles Chargers was both swift and successful. Before his hire, the team went 5-12 in the 2023 season, leading to the midseason firing of Brandon Staley.

But this year the Chargers were 11-6 and reached the postseason. While their playoff hopes ended in disappointing fashion on Saturday against the Houston Texans, there's no doubt that Harbaugh has steered the ship in a positive direction.

"They need to build out their defense to be more athletic, and the same is true with the receivers," an NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "This season was a testament to Harbaugh's vision, his leadership and the identity he brings to them. They have not had that for a long time. They tasted success and will spend the money. I think they have a clearer path than they had previously."

More good news for the Chargers as they head into the offseason—the team is scheduled to have around $77.9 million in cap space ahead of the 2025 campaign, per Spotrac, the fourth most in the NFL. That could give them the wiggle room to offer a top free agent like wide receiver Tee Higgins a major deal, making Justin Herbert's life easier in the process.

The future appears to be bright under Harbaugh, who has had success at every stop in his coaching career. But an aggressive approach to the offseason would bolster the rebuild.

The Las Vegas Raiders requested to speak with Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph regarding the team's head coaching opening, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Joseph has "multiple slips" during the current hiring cycle and "more could be coming," per Rapoport.

He has previous experience as a head coach, operating in the role for Denver from 2017-18.

The Broncos' 2024 season came to an end with a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card playoff matchup on Sunday.

Michael Silver of The Athletic reported on Jan. 6 that the Chicago Bears and New York Jets have also "expressed interest" in Joseph as a head coach, while ESPN's Adam Schefter later revealed that New York put in a request to interview him.

Joseph didn't meet expectations during his first stint as a head coach, as he was fired after the Broncos finished with a record of 11-21 in two years.

He went on to become the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator from 2019-22 before returning to Denver in the same role, making an instant impact as part of Sean Payton's staff.

The Broncos struggled defensively in 2023, but quickly established themselves among the NFL's elite squads in 2024. Denver's averages of 18.3 points and 317.1 yards allowed per game ranked No. 3 and No. 7 among all teams, respectively.

Nick Bonitto is tied for 2nd in the NFL in sacks...

And now has TWO pick-6s on the season @nikkkkbonitto pic.twitter.com/G9ukoet08U

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024

Joseph's unit also racked up a league-leading 63 sacks during the regular season, nine more than any other team.

The Raiders will be making a regime change during the offseason, firing head coach Antonio Pierce on Jan. 7 before parting ways with general manager Tom Telesco two days later.

Las Vegas finished at 4-13 in 2024, recording a double-digit loss total for the second time in three years.

As the Raiders attempt to turn their defense around in 2025, Joseph appears to be an option to fill their vacancy at head coach.

Even though the Denver Broncos suffered a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card playoff matchup on Sunday, Bo Nix is still optimistic about the team's long-term outlook.

"It's a lot to grow from, a lot to build from," Nix said after the game, via Michael Baca of NFL.com. "I'm excited to be here at this time because our trajectory is going up. I'm excited for a lot of things we have out in front of us. We have a lot to look forward to that I'm pumped about."

Nix and the Broncos kept Sunday's contest close throughout the first half, taking an early 7-0 lead and trailing by just three points at halftime.

An #NFLPlayoffs doink

📺: #DENvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/i4NAuoD0yk

— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025

The Bills pulled away in the second half by scoring 21 points over the final two quarters.

As for Nix himself, the rookie quarterback finished 13-of-22 for 144 yards and a touchdown without turning the ball over. He also rushed for a team-high 43 yards on four attempts.

WELCOME TO THE NFL PLAYOFFS BO NIX!!!! 🤯🤯🤯

ARE YOU SERIOUS!?

(Via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/RzkTuS0tT7

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 12, 2025

Despite the lopsided defeat against Buffalo, the Broncos' 2024 campaign was still immensely successful. They compiled a 10-7 record, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since their Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season.

Denver was one of six teams to finish the year ranked within the top 10 in scoring offense as well as scoring defense.

Nix, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, wrapped up a strong inaugural year. The 24-year-old completed 66.3 percent of his throws for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. He rushed for 430 yards and four more scores.

Nix 🎯 Sutton = TD

📺: #INDvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/n9LQTitsuR

— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024

The Broncos also boast several young stars on the defensive side of the ball including cornerback Patrick Surtain II and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who are both under 26 years old.

Denver was defeated by an experienced Bills team in the playoffs on Sunday, but the future is still bright for Nix's squad.

After the Los Angeles Chargers' devastating 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, linebacker Khalil Mack is considering retirement after an 11-year NFL career.

"Man, it's a lot of different thoughts in my head right now," Mack told reporters after the loss. "I can't really speak on a definitive decision in terms of what I'm going to do because I don't know if I'm going to play football moving forward, so there's some things I gotta talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids and try not to make a rash decision after a loss."

Mack has played for two other teams in addition to the Chargers: the Chicago Bears and the then-Oakland Raiders.

mack attack

📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/EOzQ3wBySG

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 11, 2025

Mack recorded 20 solo tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles during the 2024-25 season, helping the Chargers to an 11-6 record.

The Chargers' postseason appearance began with high expectations but ended in disappointment as they suffered a staggering loss to the Texans, being outscored 22-6 in the second half—a blow that hit Mack especially hard.

"I can't make this situation about myself, man, even though selfishly you feel like, 'Damn,' you know what I'm saying? 'This was the one,'" Mack said.

The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year has lost all five of his playoff appearances, making the decision to return even more challenging. Mack has expressed a desire to achieve team success in Year 12, but he plans to consult with his family, including his two young sons, aged two and three, whose needs may take precedence, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.

Mack has not set a timeline for his decision, per Rhim, but believes his best chance at achieving team success is with the Chargers.

"As long as Justin Herbert is your quarterback. You got Derwin James and all these guys that love the game of football and Jim Harbaugh coaching?" Mack told reporters. "You know you always have a chance to win. Yeah, that's a no-brainer."

James is fully supportive of Mack's return, hoping he can make one more playoff run with the team at 33 years old.

"I told him we want him back, we need him back, " James said.

The Denver Broncos' first postseason trip since the 2015 campaign was short-lived.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills defeated Denver 31-7 in Sunday's AFC Wild Card Round at Highmark Stadium and will face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in an MVP-caliber showdown in the Divisional Round.

Allen went 20-of-26 passing for 272 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions with 46 rushing yards, while James Cook ran for 120 yards and one touchdown.

JOSH ALLEN WHAT A THROW FOR THE TD ON 4TH & 1 😱🔥

UNREAL.

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/qF6J2B4LFG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2025

It seemed like Denver was going to threaten an upset when Bo Nix threw a deep touchdown to open the scoring in the first three minutes, but the Bills took the lead in the second quarter and never looked back.

It was a game to forget for Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who became quite conservative and predictable in his play-calling after a quick start that included the deep-ball touchdown and a fake punt. The visitors failed to take advantage of their early momentum as a result, and social media highlighted Payton's struggles:

The play calling today by Payton is so meh

Four straight plays that gain a first down when you’ve spread out the defense. Allowing Nix to run if needed. So after a Bills timeout … you come out with three guys in the backfield to throw a swing pass that goes for -3. Gross

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton's play calling is insanely bad. Should have trusted your QB from the start, especially with the run game going nowhere all game.

— Chiefsfan32 (@peppynerblz) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton should be fired immediately after this game. That was one of the worst called games I’ve ever seen in my life

— goose (@zersaucing) January 12, 2025

Has to be one of the worst offensive play called games in the Sean Payton era yeah?

Horrendous

— Freeman™ (@Freeeemont) January 12, 2025

I know Sean Payton is not out there yelling at Vance Joseph when the offense he leads has only scored 7 points

— Ryan Shepard (@RyanMShepard) January 12, 2025

@Broncos you need to check on Sean Payton his play calling was horrible to start to start the 3rd quarter

— Mike Lowry (@HashTagHooper) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton, truly an enigma. Gutsy fake punts on the road, then the dumbest play calls you’ve ever seen on 2nd down

— Shane (@shanehall31) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton, offensive genius, about to go 58 scoreless minutes.

— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton:

-Run a fake punt on 4th and 8
-It succeeds
-Get another 4th down 4 plays later
-Punt instead of kicking 56 yard field goal

What did he mean by this?

— Akash (@YZR_Fantasy) January 12, 2025

What we're witnessing from Sean Payton in the 2nd half is some of the worst play-calling you'll ever see.

— Frank Ammirante (@FAmmiranteTFJ) January 12, 2025

Someone let Sean Payton know that time of possession no longer matters when you are losing by 2 TDs late in the third quarter. He's calling the game like they have a 2 TD lead.

— Rob Pizzola (@robpizzola) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton is a genius I am often told https://t.co/5IVIitb8hp

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton today pic.twitter.com/5jUv9eI0O3

— Barry (@BarryOnHere) January 12, 2025

Sean Payton's offensive gameplan today is something to behold

Living in 3rd and 6 is a choice

— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) January 12, 2025

Time to move Drew Brees up the all-time quarterback list after this effort from Sean Payton

— Payne (@PayneInsider) January 12, 2025

To say Denver was facing an uphill battle would be an understatement, as it had to play with a rookie quarterback in front of a raucous Buffalo crowd against Allen and a Bills squad with realistic Super Bowl aspirations.

But that rookie quarterback wasted no time announcing his presence when Nix unleashed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin on the game's first possession. It was the first rookie-to-rookie touchdown in NFL playoff history and put the Bills in comeback mode out of the gates.

WELCOME TO THE NFL PLAYOFFS BO NIX!!!! 🤯🤯🤯

ARE YOU SERIOUS!?

(Via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/RzkTuS0tT7

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 12, 2025

BRONCOS PULL OFF THE FAKE PUNT PASS ON 4TH DOWN ‼️

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/tUVVpWEewq

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2025

Comeback mode wasn't a problem.

Cook's touchdown run in the second quarter gave Buffalo the lead for good, although the Broncos went into the halftime locker room feeling good after successfully executing a fake punt and holding Allen to just 69 passing yards before intermission. They also moved into field-goal range in the two-minute drill, although Wil Lutz's kick bounced off the post.

Still, there would be no hanging around down the stretch.

Allen made the play of the game on 4th-and-1 when he bought himself time in the pocket and found a sliding Ty Johnson in the back of the end zone for a momentum-altering touchdown. From there, he hit an open Curtis Samuel, who did the rest by breaking a tackle and cutting it back for a 55-yard touchdown to open a three-score lead.

JOSH ALLEN TO CURTIS SAMUEL FOR THE 55-YARD TD 💨

Bills are running away with it 🔥

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/5WDMX2m3i5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 12, 2025

While Nix has a bright future and played well at the start, there was no way he was going to lead a multi-score comeback on the road against this Bills squad.

As a result, it has now been nine seasons since the Broncos won a playoff game.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis didn't choose to pursue Mike Vrabel for the team's head coaching vacancy due to a lack of success under another coach with ties to the New England Patriots, according to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic.

"Davis apparently is not interested in another go-round with 'The Patriots Way' after the failure of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler two years ago, according to league sources," Tafur and Reed wrote.

Vrabel was announced as the Patriots' new head coach on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas is currently conducting its own hiring process after parting ways with former head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday.

Antonio Pierce is OUT as HC of the Raiders, per @TomPelissero @RapSheet and @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/ZfzhKTpa44

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 7, 2025

Prior to Pierce's brief tenure with the team, Josh McDaniels served as the Raiders' head coach from 2022 until he was fired after Week 8 of the 2023 season. McDaniels, who spent 13 years as New England's offensive coordinator before taking the job, finished with a record of 9-16 in Las Vegas.

Former Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler was also fired at the same time as McDaniels. Ziegler previously served as the director of player personnel with the Patriots.

Vrabel's ties to New England stem from his playing days, spending eight of his 14 years as an NFL linebacker with the organization.

Davis' hesitation following McDaniels' subpar tenure makes sense, but that hasn't stopped him from enlisting the help of Patriots icon and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady to be part of a committee to interview head coaching candidates.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post reported Thursday that Brady had a conversation with fellow New England legend and current North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick regarding a move to Las Vegas, but the team hadn't given "serious consideration" to signing Belichick.

The Raiders seem to be focused on an offensive-minded coach, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that they're "said to be enamored with" Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Las Vegas is still in the midst of its coaching search, but Davis didn't appear to have Vrabel on his radar before he joined the Patriots.

The Las Vegas Raiders have "zero interest" in hiring Deion Sanders away from Colorado, according to The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed.

On Saturday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore cited a source who said Sanders "has a very strong interest in the job."

"The person indicated that NFL-connected associates of Sanders reached out to the Raiders to express Sanders' interest in the opening," Bonsignore wrote.

Even before that report—and predating the firing of Antonio Pierce—fans were questioning whether the Hall of Fame cornerback might emerge as a candidate for Las Vegas.

The Raiders are badly in need of a new quarterback and they'll likely address that concern in the 2025 NFL draft. Maybe they'd hire Coach Prime and pair him with his son, Colorado star Shedeur Sanders.

.@AdamSchefter and @danorlovsky7 break down the teams that could draft Shedeur Sanders and attract Deion Sanders as the next HC 👀 pic.twitter.com/5i56s6IKbH

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 14, 2024

Bonsignore's report provided another wrinkle because Sanders had been giving the public impression he wants to stay with the Buffaloes for the long haul.

That Tafur and Reed already threw cold water on the idea of him landing in Sin City would seemingly eliminate the possibility. If the team doesn't have any interest right now, it's hard to picture what would lead the front office and ownership to do a 180 and consider him.

Per The Athletic, six candidates are confirmed for the Raiders: Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Steve Spagnuolo, Todd Monken, Robert Saleh and Pete Carroll.

More names could be added to that list because Las Vegas' search for a new head coach is less than a week old. The organization is only a few days removed from ousting general manager Tom Telesco as well.

In the event the Raiders' circle does widen, don't expect it to include Sanders.

With Mike Vrabel now off the coaching market, having joined the New England Patriots, all eyes turn to Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

And according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders are firmly in that mix:

From @NFLGameDay: Taking a look at the #Raiders and #Bears coaching searches and where it all stands... pic.twitter.com/vHIkEQqdNk

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2025

"My understanding is the name to watch is Johnson. They are said to be enamored with him," he reported regarding the Raiders "People ask and have been asking over the last 24 hours, 'Why would Ben Johnson be interested in a job that doesn't have a quarterback?' Tom Brady has loomed large recruiting Johnson, imploring him to take the interview and consider the Raiders. If that is something that will be a possibility for Johnson, and certainly that has worked—Johnson is said at least to be interested."

There have been other reports that Johnson and the Raiders might end up being a match:

Ben Johnson / Raiders actually picking up way more steam in league circles over last 48 hours. https://t.co/FbHQh0uWSg

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 11, 2025

The Tom Brady factor in Las Vegas has given the Raiders an edge in attracting candidates they typically wouldn’t land. His influence is a key draw, which is why coaches like Ben Johnson agreed to meet with them.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 11, 2025

Johnson, 38, has been one of the hottest coaching names on the market for the past two offseasons, proving to be one of the most innovative and exciting play-callers in the NFL in recent years. His offensive scheme has helped propel the Lions to the realm of the league's elite teams and has fans in Detroit thinking Super Bowl after the team secured the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs.

It's fair to argue that the Raiders aren't one of the more appealing openings remaining for a top candidate, however.

The Chicago Bears (Caleb Williams) and Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence) have quarterbacks in place. The New York Jets, while a mess, have more overall talent on the roster. The Raiders had a strong 2024 draft, led by the superb rookie season of tight end Brock Bowers, but fired the man who orchestrated it (former general manager Tom Telesco)

Las Vegas could look to trade up from No. 6 in order to gain a top-two pick, putting them in position to select a quarterback like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but that would come at the cost of giving up valuable assets into the future. This isn't a franchise that can afford to punt on multiple drafts down the line, given the other needs on the roster.

Johnson's scheme is fantastic, but it also relies on the presence of a reliable quarterback (Jared Goff) and dynamic talent at the skill positions (Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery, Jameson Williams). The Raiders have Bowers, Jakobi Meyers and... not much else in that regard.

Perhaps Brady can talk Johnson into rebuilding the proud franchise together. But if Johnson is ready to make the leap to head coaching, there are more appealing destinations available.