The Raiders need a permanent head coach, but what if they already have the answer in the man who has led them to the playoffs this season?
The Las Vegas Raiders have clinched a playoff spot after experiencing one of the most turbulent seasons in team history. It could be argued that the Silver and Black had never seen a season with so much drama that resulted in a trip to the postseason.
In fact, the Raiders in the 21st century have definitely had their share of issues, but it usually never translates into the win column. 2021 changed all that, and despite rumors of possible head coaching candidates, one man might’ve already won the job.
Back in October of 2021, then-Raiders head coach Jon Gruden was at the center of allegations stemming from an e-mail scandal. Though he wasn’t the reason for the original investigation, Gruden ended up resigning from his position, and with that, Rich Bisaccia stepped in.
Considering the shoes that Bisaccia had to fill at that time, it’s easy to see why so many would’ve crumbled under the pressure of leading a squad that had started 3-2.
Before this season, Bisaccia had been Gruden’s right-hand man on the field. He was the assistant head coach and in charge of special teams. With so much attention paid to the offensive and defensive coordinators, Bisaccia flew under the radar for most of Gruden’s tenure. Unbeknownst to those of us on the outside, the assistant was winning over the players the whole time.
A no-nonsense player’s coach that has come into his own while keeping this team together in the face of adversity.