One night after an ugly defeat dropped their record to 3-5, the Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler on Tuesday.
The team made the announcement in a late-night posting on its website and social media.
Club owner Mark Davis said in a statement, “After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave. I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”
McDaniels, 47, was midway through his second season on the job, having signed a six-year deal in January 2022. The Raiders went 6-11 last year. This season, their three wins have come against opponents that currently have losing records (the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots).
Las Vegas lost 26-14 to the host Detroit Lions on Monday night.
Ziegler, 46, also was in his second year in his role.
Both McDaniels and Ziegler came to Las Vegas from the Patriots.
McDaniels was an assistant coach at New England from 2001 to 2008 before an unsuccessful stint as the Broncos’ head coach (8-8 in 2009, 3-9 when he was fired in 2010). He spent the 2011 season as the St. Louis Rams’ offensive coordinator, then returned to work under Bill Belichick as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2021.
Ziegler worked in the New England front office from 2013 to 2021, including stints as director of pro personnel and director of player personnel.
According to ESPN, linebackers coach Antonio Pierce will serve as the Raiders’ interim head coach. Pierce, 45, joined the club when McDaniels and Ziegler arrived. He was a Super Bowl-winning linebacker during his playing career with the New York Giants.
–Field Level Media
