Jan. 13, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT
The Las Vegas Raiders are holding a thorough process before appointing their next coach. John Spytek has spoken with, or requested, interviews with 12 candidates, including a brief phone conversation with John Harbaugh. With Harbaugh yet to officially declare his interest in the Raiders, there are 11 true candidates as of Tuesday morning.
The most important question Spytek should be asking these candidates is what their plan is to develop a young quarterback. The overwhelming expectation is that the Raiders will select Indiana quarterback (and Heisman Trophy winner) Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Part of hiring a head coach is understanding the staff they could build. In Vegas’ case, the offensive coordinator will especially be of note, given they’ll probably be tasked with developing Mendoza. Depending on who the Raiders hire, former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll would be a great OC candidate.
Daboll had been initially rumored to be the Raiders’ potential OC if Brian Flores was named head coach. The two previously worked together with the New England Patriots. Flores is not on the Raiders’ initial list of HC candidates, however.
Daboll could still emerge as an option to call the Raiders’ offense next season. He possesses a lengthy resume when it comes to developing young quarterbacks. He was in Buffalo with a rookie Josh Allen. Giants QB Jaxson Dart regressed following Daboll’s midseason firing.
If the Raiders hire an offensive-minded head coach, they’ll likely prefer to appoint their own OC. But if a young defensive mind like Jesse Minter, Chris Shula, or Jeff Hafley gets the job, for example, Spytek and Tom Brady may be able to influence the staffing decisions. Daboll should garner serious consideration as one of the top OC candidates available this offseason.