Raiders Target Mike McDaniel as Head Coach to Develop Top Draft Prospect Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders are positioning themselves for a significant organizational restructuring as they prepare for the 2026 season. Following Pete Carroll's departure as head coach and the anticipated conclusion of Geno Smith's tenure, the franchise faces critical decisions regarding their leadership structure.
Strategic Meeting in Miami
Raiders officials will conduct business in Miami this Monday, combining talent evaluation with coaching interviews. The timing coincides with the College Football Playoff National Championship, where Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will compete for the title.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Raiders will utilize this opportunity to interview Mike McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins head coach who concluded his four-year tenure with the organization last week.
McDaniel's Market Value
McDaniel has emerged as a highly sought-after coaching candidate this offseason. His interview schedule includes meetings with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens for head coaching positions. Additionally, the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers have expressed interest in his services for offensive coordinator roles.
Given his four years of head coaching experience, McDaniel is unlikely to accept a regression to coordinator status, making head coaching opportunities his primary focus.
Potential Franchise Alignment
The Raiders present an attractive proposition for McDaniel's coaching philosophy. Fernando Mendoza is projected as a likely first overall draft selection, providing McDaniel with an opportunity to develop a young quarterback, similar to his previous work with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami.
The Raiders' current roster includes promising offensive weapons: running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Tre Tucker. This foundation could support McDaniel's offensive system effectively.
Mendoza's Remarkable Season
Mendoza's transformation under Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has been exceptional. After two modest seasons at California, he has delivered outstanding performance metrics: 41 touchdown passes, 3,349 passing yards, and a 73 percent completion rate, earning him the Heisman Trophy.
His leadership qualities, both on and off the field, have been consistently praised. Industry analysts suggest that passing on Mendoza with the first overall pick would constitute a significant organizational miscalculation.
The National Championship game between Indiana and the University of Miami is scheduled for Monday evening at 7:30 p.m., providing the Raiders with a final evaluation opportunity before making their coaching and draft decisions.