Raiders: Potential assistant coaches to join Josh McDaniels in Vegas

Raiders: Potential assistant coaches to join Josh McDaniels in Vegas

DC Candidates

Don Martindale – Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator

Suppose Josh McDaniels wants to swing for the fences for his new defensive coordinator. In that case, he needs to look no further than former Baltimore Ravens DC Don Martindale. Martindale and the Ravens surprisingly parted ways after 10 seasons with the organization.

‘Wink’ was known for his high pressure and aggressive style defenses that presented opponents with a world of confusion and pain. Unfortunately, last season was underwhelming for his defense; much can be attributed to lack of depth. His connection with McDaniels dates back to 2009 when he served as the Denver Broncos linebacker coach.

The following year, he was promoted to the team’s defensive coordinator. So a man who started his NFL coaching career with the Raiders could very well look to finish what he started in Las Vegas.

Matt Patricia – New England Patriots assistant head coach

The complete opposite of Don Martindale in terms of scheme is Matt Patricia. Patricia was most recently the Detroit Lions head coach, where his teams infrequently blitzed as he called plays for the defensive side despite being the head coach. With that being said, Patricia relied on heavy man-to-man concepts in coverage, and without a pass rush, Detroit’s defense ranked in the bottom five in the league during his three-year stint with the Detroit Lions. \

Out of all the candidates listed, Matt has been in McDaniels’ company the longest, with 12 full years in New England. So if anyone knows what Josh expects from a defensive standpoint, it is him.

Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots inside linebackers coach

A coach who has had his name swung around in many current head coach openings is Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo. Mayo has served as a coach on New England’s staff since 2019. In that period, he has seen the rise of linebacker Dont’a Hightower to a Pro Bowl level.

While a head coaching candidate now, if he were to not receive an offer, it may behoove him to prove himself as a coordinator before advancing in his already promising career. The relationship between him and McDaniels has existed for eight entire years, both as a player and a coach.