Tom Brady’s first full year as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders is shaping up to be anything but quiet. With the team languishing at a dismal 3-12 record this season, changes seem imminent, and Brady’s voice could play a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s future.
On Friday, Diana Russini of The Athletic shared insights into the Raiders’ plans, particularly regarding interim head coach Antonio Pierce. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has already reported that Pierce’s future in Las Vegas is in “serious doubt.” Now, Russini adds that Brady’s influence may extend beyond player evaluations to critical decisions about the team’s leadership.
Brady’s Expanding Role
“But what I’ve learned recently,” Russini said, “is it’s not just going to be Tom Brady’s thoughts on the quarterback position, which would make sense, right? … But really how involved Tom Brady is going to be in all regards—everything that has to do with the Las Vegas Raiders.”
Russini explained that team owner Mark Davis, frustrated by years of underperformance, is leaning heavily on Brady’s expertise and vision to guide the team’s next steps.
“They’re going to have to make a decision about their head coach with Antonio Pierce,” Russini continued. “I’ve talked to people around the league who believe this is probably going to be it for AP. But I think Tom Brady is going to have a big hand in helping Mark Davis navigate the next steps here.”
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Potential Replacements
If the Raiders decide to part ways with Pierce, one intriguing possibility is Mike Vrabel, the current head coach of the Tennessee Titans and a close associate of Brady. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier that Brady’s ties to Vrabel could make him a top candidate for the Raiders’ job.
“Vrabel is considered a prime candidate to get one of the seven to eight jobs that will inevitably open,” Fowler said. “Some have pegged him for Las Vegas, should the Raiders’ job come open. Brady’s influence as a minority owner there could loom large for Vrabel or others with ties to the former quarterback.”
Vrabel’s proven track record as a head coach—highlighted by his success in leading the Titans to multiple playoff appearances—makes him a sought-after candidate. However, he may have other suitors, meaning there’s no guarantee he would choose the Raiders if offered the position.
A Season of Transition
The Raiders will close out their disappointing 2024 season with games against the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Once those games are complete, the focus will shift entirely to offseason planning, with questions looming about Pierce’s future and potential coaching candidates.
For Raiders fans, the idea of Brady stepping into an expanded role is both intriguing and a glimmer of hope. The seven-time Super Bowl champion’s football IQ and relentless pursuit of excellence could be exactly what the franchise needs to turn its fortunes around.
Whether Brady’s input will lead to a coaching change or even bring in someone like Vrabel remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Tom Brady is more than just a silent minority owner—he’s positioning himself as a key architect of the Raiders’ future.
