Every indication is that the Raiders are focused on Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to become their next head coach, and some believe Pete Carroll is probably no. 2 in line to get the job.
But according to Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer, there is one more candidate that might be pushing Carroll for the Raiders “backup option” if Johnson decides against taking the job in Las Vegas.
“I heard that Tom Brady’s respect for Steve Spagnuolo, having competed against him, could make the Chiefs’ DC one to watch in Las Vegas,” Breer reported on Monday.
It feels like there would have to be a major shift for Spagnuolo to be the top candidate in Vegas, but it isn’t hard to figure out where the former Giants defensive coordinator earned Brady’s respect.
In Super Bowl XLII, Spagnuolo’s defense sacked Brady five times and held him to a quarterback rating of 82.5 en route to a 17-14 upset of the previously undefeated Patriots.
Even if the Raiders don’t end up hiring Spagnuolo, there would be some excitement in the AFC West if someone else would. As celebrated as Spagnuolo has been throughout his coaching career, he is still underrated as a defensive coordinator.
Spagnuolo had virtual interviews with the Jets, Jaguars and Raiders on Friday and won’t be available to interview in an official capacity again until the Chiefs have been eliminated from the playoffs.
x: @raidersbeat
No thanks!
really? why? shouldn’t the team have their options open to multiple candidates at this point? Of course Johnson is the front runner and if he can be secured he probably should be ,but who knows what going to happen ….he may become enamored with an opening with some other team . we should be open to considering any young coach with a proven track record as a coordinator or HC. Spag’.s has that in spades and we would be removing a valuable member of a division rival competing for their 3rd ring in 3 years
Really? Spag’s bombed out during his tenure as the Ram’s HC. The Raiders should target a young OC and only look at retreads when they are the only option left.
He passed on us before. I wonder why he’s down now?
Maybe Reid is retiring?
There are coaches that are very good coordinators, but just don’t make good HCs. Spanuolo appears to fit that bill. No thanks. Otherwise, they should even consider Norv Turner.