Many believe the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching job is unappealing, but there are three main reasons why that's not the case.
Not many people are hyping up the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach job opening, claiming they have a terrible roster, and that it would be a horrible landing spot for a coach looking to win.
However, the Raiders’ opening should be getting a lot more praise as a good opportunity. Obviously, the team was dysfunctional this year and won just three games, but there are reasons to be excited about the future of this team if the right coach is hired.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Las Vegas job should be sought after is the young talent, primarily All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and exciting young star running back Ashton Jeanty.
Bowers proved he was star in his rookie season as he shattered several Raiders and National Football League records, including most receptions (112) and rookie tight end receiving yards (1,194). He dealt with a nagging knee injury for much of the 2025 season and also had poor quarterback play, but a healthy Bowers with a solid QB will be dangerous for years to come.
Jeanty didn’t have as explosive of a season as many hoped, as the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft received little help from his struggling offensive line. But he still made plays that showed why he was drafted so high. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jeanty forced 84 missed tackles and had some games where he was unstoppable even with bad coaching. With an improved offensive line, he should be a much bigger threat than he was in his rookie season.
On top of the young talent, having the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft should be a huge selling point for candidates. It’s all but set in stone that Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza will be a Raider in April, and he looks like a guy who will instantly be an upgrade over veteran QB Geno Smith.
The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner looks like the total package. His ability to stand in the pocket under duress as well as escape the pocket and make accurate throws supports his No. 1 ranked QB rating. He could put the Raiders in the Wild Card conversation if the franchise plays its cards right.
Part of that will be using the third-most projected cap space of $89 million effectively. General manager John Spytek has the funds to bring in some great players in free agency and should be focusing on building the trenches on both sides of the ball.
This could be the most pivotal offseason in franchise history and the Raiders need to get it right.