The toll of continuous losses appears to be weighing heavily on Mark Davis.
During the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 4 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, team owner Mark Davis was captured on video admonishing frustrated fans who had called for the removal of head coach Josh McDaniels, urging them to “wise up.”
The Las Vegas Raiders have not only endured a tumultuous first four games of the season but have struggled since their disappointing 6-11 campaign in McDaniels’ inaugural season in Vegas last year. Questions have persisted about the team’s roster decisions and coaching staff’s approach since last season, and it seems little has changed despite notable offseason changes.
If not for a Week 1 victory against the struggling Denver Broncos, the Raiders could very well have a winless record, as their defense continues to falter, and the offense struggles to find its rhythm despite boasting Pro Bowlers like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs.
Understandably, frustration is mounting among the team’s loyal fan base, and there’s a growing call for McDaniels to be removed as the Raiders’ head coach, as the team appears to be spiraling downward in 2023.
On Sunday, when the Raiders were on the road but not far from home at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles facing the Chargers, team owner Mark Davis was in attendance. As the team seemed headed for another loss, Raiders fans in the stadium began expressing their frustrations. Some fans realized that Davis was present and vocalized their grievances about McDaniels.
One particular moment was captured on video and circulated on social media. In the footage, fans can be heard asking Davis why McDaniels hasn’t been fired yet.
Davis responded by shouting back, urging them to “wise up” and “think clearly.”
In the end, it didn’t appear that Davis took the criticism personally, as he could also be seen nodding in agreement with another fan and giving a thumbs-up gesture.
With mounting frustration in the locker room and significant investments in high-priced players, it will be intriguing to see how the team owner responds if the Raiders experience another losing season in 2023. The loss on Sunday brought McDaniels’ record with the franchise to 7-13 and his overall head coaching record in the NFL to 18-30.
