The Las Vegas Raiders are taking their time in hiring a new general manager, and that has been the right move so far.
On January 17th, 2022, the Raiders fired incumbent General Manager and former sportscaster Mike Mayock after three seasons on the job, and it was a sign of a mindset shift. The Raiders are now looking for their third general manager since owner Mark Davis took over for his late father in 2011.
Davis’ hiring practices have been criticized over the past decade, but this time it seems like he is taking the right approach.
When David hired former Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie, it was almost immediately following the end of the 2011 regular season. McKenzie then took 19 days to hire Dennis Allen as head coach.
However, Davis was not a fan of Allen’s which ultimately led to his firing in Year 3, and McKenzie’s minimized role in the hiring of Jack Del Rio, which was also a notably quick process because Del Rio impressed Davis with his knowledge of the Raiders roster.
At the time, Del Rio was the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator, therefore it makes sense that he would have familiarity with the Raiders roster and Davis may have simply been an inexperienced interviewer. When Jon Gruden was hired, it was also a very quick and likely unethical process, as was Mayock’s hiring.
Raiders taking their time hiring a general manager
With Davis now searching for his third general manager and fifth or sixth head coach (depending on Rich Bisaccia’s status), it appears as if Davis is being patient and thorough. He clearly wants to hire the right people to propel the Raiders into a consistent winner following this season’s playoff berth and to do so, he is exploring all avenues.
Las Vegas is on Day 12 of their offseason and Day 10 of their General Manager search. The team is known to have an interest in or interviewed eight candidates for their opening. As the last opening left in the NFL, the team would be wise to continue to be thorough and get the hire right.
The favorite amongst Raider fans has been Ed Dodds, the Vice President of Player Personnel with the Colts. Dodds notably has turned down other interviews and has been quite specific about the situation he is looking to join. Reports say Dodds interviewed with the team on January 26th and his past connection to the team will likely be very attractive to the Raiders.
The team has also interviewed candidates such as David Ziegler, Trey Brown, Champ Kelly, Ruston Webster, and Brandon Hunt, while also having an interest in John Spytek and Dwayne Joseph. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Raiders expanded their search to more prominent candidates such as Adam Peters or Elliot Wolf.
Wolf specifically should draw interest from Davis because of his father’s tenure in Oakland.
Las Vegas Raiders who did not take advantage of opportunities in 2021
The Las Vegas Raiders had plenty of players step up this season, but this group really did not take advantage of their opportunities in 2021.
Regardless of where the search takes them, using due diligence is the correct move. The Raiders should also wait on hiring a coach until the new GM is aligned with the hiring. The last thing the franchise needs is another arraigned head coach and general manager marriage. As the search continues, this is a key moment that will likely decide what the Raiders’ future for the next 5-7 years looks like.