The Las Vegas Raiders interviewed former New York Giants coach Brian Daboll on Saturday for their head coaching position. The meeting added another name to a long list of candidates. Daboll coached the Giants from 2022 until midway through this season. The team dismissed him after a 2-8 start. His overall record with New York was 20-40-1.
Daboll’s Giants Tenure and Award-Winning Start
Daboll delivered early success in his first season with the Giants. The team finished 9-7-1 and won a playoff game. His work earned him the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award. Daboll also built a strong résumé in Buffalo. He served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2021. He helped guide Josh Allen’s development into an elite quarterback. Daboll won AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2020 after Allen posted 4,544 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
Raiders Hold Top Pick and Eye Fernando Mendoza
The Raiders own the top pick in this year’s draft. They are expected to select Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana star declared for the draft on Friday after leading his team to a national championship. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady praised Mendoza during an interview on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” Brady said Mendoza is mature and talented but still developing like every young quarterback.
Las Vegas Continues Massive Coaching Search
Daboll is the 15th candidate interviewed since the Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season. Three candidates have already taken other jobs. Jeff Hafley joined Miami. Jesse Minter went to Baltimore. Kevin Stefanski accepted the Atlanta job. Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel appears headed to the Chargers as offensive coordinator. However, he reportedly remains in play for head coaching opportunities. The Raiders’ website does not list him with the Chargers.
Second Interviews and Championship Weekend Candidates
Las Vegas conducted second interviews this week with Minter and Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Other candidates remain active in conference championship games. From the Los Angeles Rams, the Raiders interviewed offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, defensive coordinator Chris Shula and pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. They also met with Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Broncos offensive pass game coordinator Davis Webb and Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
