The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Tuesday that general manager David Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels had been sacked.
“I’ve made the decision to split ways with Josh and Dave after giving it a lot of thought as to what the Raiders need to do going forward. In the statement, Raiders owner Mark Davis said, “I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”
Antonio Pierce, the linebackers coach, and Champ Kelly, the assistant general manager, were chosen temporary head coach and interim general manager, respectively, by Las Vegas.
In the previous 13 years, Pierce takes over as the Raiders’ eighth head coach, and their third temporary one.After the season, the team stated that it was “committed to undergo a comprehensive search” for a new general manager and head coach. With the dismissal of McDaniels and Ziegler, the legendary franchise’s extremely unsuccessful period comes to an end.
The pair were hired together in 2021 having previously both been part of the title-winning run at the New England Patriots; McDaniels was the offensive coordinator from 2012 with Ziegler working in the organization’s scouting and personnel departments since 2013.
They joined a team which had made the playoffs in 2020 after a miraculous run under interim coach Rich Bisaccia.
But despite the acquisition of star players such as Davante Adams, the duo failed to lead the team to the playoffs during their time in Las Vegas.
They leave with a cumulative record of 9-16 in the 25 games they held the reins, including a 3-5 start to this season.
After his successful stint in New England, McDaniels’ calling card was meant to be his offensive proficiency, but the Raiders have gone backwards this season, with the team ranking 30th in scoring and 31st in yards after finishing 12th in both in 2022.
Wide receiver Adams, running back Josh Jacobs and edge rusher Maxx Crosby have been some of the positives from their time with the franchise – Adams surpassing 1,500 receiving yards in the two full seasons McDaniels was in charge, Jacobs leading the league in rushing in 2022 and Crosby blossoming into one of the NFL’s best pass rushers.
However, all three have struggled this season as the Raiders have misfired in all departments.After the season, the team stated that it was “committed to undergo a comprehensive search” for a new general manager and head coach.
With the dismissal of McDaniels and Ziegler, the legendary franchise’s extremely unsuccessful period comes to an end.
