There was a number of dialog surrounding the way forward for Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, and whether or not or not he will likely be returning subsequent season. However that convo doesn’t finish with him, as the way forward for his teaching workers can also be up within the air, and one very intriguing title to observe will likely be defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Graham did a good job in getting this Raiders protection to play at a strong degree, particularly down the stretch of the season. Previous to the common season finale, the Raiders had held 4 of their final 5 opponents to twenty factors or fewer and completed the yr within the prime half of the league in dashing, passing, and whole yards allowed.
However Graham’s contract with the Raiders has expired and he’s already drawing curiosity across the league. In line with Tom Pelissero of NFL Community, Graham is predicted to interview for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator place and is a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars head teaching job:
The #Bengals plan to interview #Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham immediately for his or her DC job, per supply.
Graham can also be a candidate for the #Jaguars head teaching job. However his contract is up in Las Vegas and he has permission to interview for DC jobs now. pic.twitter.com/le350DGCec
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 7, 2025
It is smart that Graham would have some suitors, contemplating the job he did this season. The Raiders handled a ton of accidents this season, most notably to star defensive finish Maxx Crosby, who missed 5 video games, and defensive deal with Christian Wilkins, who missed 12. Moreover cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett missed a number of video games as properly.
Regardless of that, Graham stored the Raiders protection enjoying onerous, bodily soccer all season lengthy. Crosby nonetheless was chosen for the Professional Bowl and lots of really feel linebacker Robert Spillane was deserving of a range as properly, to not point out the emergence of Adam Butler and Okay’Lavon Chaisson on the defensive position as properly.
The Raiders have some selections to make in regard to their teaching workers, however Patrick Graham already has groups lining up for his providers, and deservedly so.
Earlier than some other choice could be made, the Raiders should work out whether or not or not Antonio Pierce will return as head coach subsequent season. And Pierce himself provided no insights following the Raiders’ Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pierce merely stated ‘no remark’ when requested about his job standing within the post-game press convention, and when requested if he felt he had gotten a good shake with the entire drama, trades, and accidents, Pierce added that each one he might do is coach the 53 gamers he has in his locker room.
