In a stunning twist for the Silver and Black, whispers from inside the Las Vegas Raiders’ headquarters suggest the franchise is already eyeing a major shake-up. Just one offseason ago, NFL legend Tom Brady and owner Mark Davis pinned their hopes on Pete Carroll to inject some much-needed stability into the chaotic organization. But with the team spiraling even deeper into mediocrity this year—looking more lost than ever—it’s clear Carroll’s tenure might be on life support. Sources indicate the Raiders are discreetly scouting replacements for 2026, despite the job’s tarnished appeal after last year’s string of high-profile rejections.
Remember, Brady himself swung and missed on his top three picks during the previous coaching hunt, leaving the Raiders scrambling. Firing a coaching icon like Carroll won’t suddenly make Vegas a dream destination for elite talent—the roster’s flaws and the franchise’s checkered past are hard to ignore. Yet, with the team in freefall, Davis and Brady have no choice but to pivot. Buckle up, Raider Nation: Here’s our exclusive breakdown of four under-the-radar candidates who could shock the NFL world and steer this ship back on course.
Brian Flores: The Defensive Mastermind Ready for Redemption
Topping our list is Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator who’s quietly rebuilt his reputation after a rocky first head-coaching stint. Flores isn’t just any coordinator—he’s a proven game-changer. Since taking the reins in 2023, his Vikings unit has terrorized opponents, ranking fifth in EPA per play (-0.046) and sixth in success rate allowed (42.5%). This echoes his dominant days with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, where he honed his craft under Bill Belichick.
The intrigue? Flores shares a deep connection with Tom Brady from their overlapping Patriots era, which could make him an instant fit in Vegas. But here’s the bombshell: His ongoing racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and teams like the Broncos, Giants, and Texans has scared off other suitors. Not the Raiders, though—they thrive on bucking league norms, even if it stirs controversy. Pair him with a sharp offensive mind, and ensure the next QB matches his no-nonsense vibe, and Flores could be the gritty leader Las Vegas desperately needs. In a market where top names balk, he’s the realistic powerhouse who might actually say yes.
Steve Spagnuolo: The Super Bowl Whisperer Poised to Strike Back
Next up: Steve Spagnuolo, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive wizard who’s been the unsung hero behind Patrick Mahomes’ dynasty. A four-time Super Bowl champ as an assistant, “Spags” has engineered a Chiefs defense that’s ninth in EPA per play (-0.020) since 2020, suffocating offenses and clinching rings. Players adore him, and even Brady once dubbed him the “bane of my existence” for his playoff nightmares.
At 65, Spagnuolo isn’t getting younger, but his razor-sharp schemes prove he’s still at the peak of his powers—unlike some aging coaches who’ve lost their edge. The real kicker? Snagging him from Kansas City would be a devastating gut punch to the Raiders’ arch-rivals, weakening the Chiefs while bolstering Vegas. He’s voiced his hunger for another head-coaching shot, but options are slim elsewhere. For a franchise starved for respect, landing Spagnuolo could be the ultimate revenge plot, blending veteran wisdom with championship pedigree.
Klint Kubiak: The Rising Offensive Guru with Shanahan DNA
Shifting gears to the offensive side, enter Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ play-caller who’s turning heads without the baggage of his predecessor. Sure, Raider fans might cringe at another Seattle import, but Kubiak stands alone—no ties to Carroll or Geno Smith. At just 38 (turning 39 in February), he’s injecting fresh energy into offenses everywhere he’s gone.
Heading into Week 13, his Seahawks attack ranks 11th in EPA per play (0.061), ninth in success rate (47.3%), second in yards per play (6.3), and eighth in points per drive (2.41). Struggles in the run game? Blame the backs, not Kubiak’s aerial wizardry. With stints under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco (as passing game coordinator in 2023) and respected stops in Denver and Minnesota, he’s mastered elevating quarterbacks and scheming big plays. If the Raiders crave a young, innovative mind to turbocharge their passing attack and build a modern offense, Kubiak’s the dark horse who could ignite a turnaround.
Adam Stenavich: The Trench Boss Who Could Rebuild from the Ground Up
Rounding out our quartet is Adam Stenavich, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator who’s quietly becoming a hot commodity. At 42 (turning 43 in March), he’s already fielded head-coaching interviews, like with the Chicago Bears, signaling his rising star power. But what sets him apart for Vegas? His expertise in the trenches—the Raiders’ offensive line has been a disaster this season, torpedoing any shot at success.
Stenavich isn’t just calling plays; he coaches quarterbacks, orchestrates the run game, and boasts a stellar track record as Green Bay’s O-line coach from 2019-21, when the Packers boasted one of the NFL’s elite fronts. As NFL insider Tom Pelissero highlights, his versatility makes him a Swiss Army knife for offenses. Oh, and the cherry on top: A Michigan alum who starred at left tackle for the Wolverines and later coached there (2011-13), Stenavich shares Midwestern roots that could resonate with Brady’s own college glory days. If the Raiders want to fortify their foundation, prioritize the line, and craft a balanced attack, Stenavich is the compelling wildcard who could transform this mess into a contender.
The Raiders’ coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever, and while these names might not scream “splash hire,” they pack the potential for real impact in a franchise crying out for change. With Brady’s influence and Davis’s bold streak, don’t be surprised if one of these shocks lands in Vegas. Stay tuned—this bombshell could reshape the AFC West.