• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 14, 2025

NFL Power Shifts: Brady’s Influence Drives Raiders Leadership Moves

Tom Brady was heavily involved in the hiring process of new Raiders coach Pete Carroll. Brady, a minority owner in Las Vegas, continues to be Fox’s No. 1 NFL analyst.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Raiders introduced their new coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek to the media Monday, following a lengthy search that was heavily influenced by minority owner Tom Brady.

While Brady wasn’t in Las Vegas on Monday, Raiders owner Mark Davis made it clear the seven-time Super Bowl champion, and current Fox NFL analyst, is one of the franchise’s most important people.

“Bringing in Tom Brady was bringing in somebody that was on the football side that I had been lacking having here in the organization,” Davis said after Monday’s press conference. Brady was one of five key members leading the hiring process, Davis said, a development that raised concern given Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract at Fox.

Davis said Brady is filling a void left by Jon Gruden, who resigned in 2021 after sexist, racist, and homophobic emails Gruden sent while working for ESPN were published by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Since then, Gruden has been embroiled in a defamation lawsuit against the NFL

“Back in I guess it was ’18, with Jon Gruden—he was somebody that I brought in and really expected to be that person on the football side that would bring stability to the organization,” Davis said. “He had a 10-year contract and all that, and his head was chopped off. And we were put in a really bad position as an organization.”

It’s evident Davis still feels chided by how Gruden’s exit played out. 

“We want to build something here,” he said. “And again, that’s been the process and the mindset all along. Like I said, it got offset, or kind of blown up, when Jon Gruden was sent away. So, we’ve been trying to get it right since then. But I’ve got patience to get it right.”

In-State Move

Also on Monday, the Jaguars introduced new coach Liam Coen following his controversial departure from his role as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers.

Coen’s hiring coincided with Jacksonville firing GM Trent Baalke, who had originally been retained by Jaguars owner Shad Khan when coach Doug Pederson was fired. 

“After the 10 video interviews were done, there was a transition point for me to reflect, and what was the right thing for the organization,” Khan said of his conversations with prospective head coaches. “And that’s when I decided that it was time for a change.” Khan hopes to have a new GM hired by the end of February.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

What Has to Happen Next for Flag Football to Become an NCAA..

Flag football is one step closer to being a full-fledged college sport.
hanson_smiling
exclusive

Scott Hanson in Talks With NBC As NFL Network Negotiations Stall

The NFL RedZone host hosted NBC’s Olympics ‘Gold Zone’ coverage last summer.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) talks to the media with his daughter, Jada, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Saquon Barkley Chides Eagles Fans for Booing Taylor Swift: ‘Only Helping’

Barkley made the comments in an interview with Howard Stern on SiriusXM.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Red Sox Return to Big Spending With $120M Alex Bregman Deal

The contract with the former Astros star revives a prior franchise mentality.
Mark Williams
February 11, 2025

Failed Deadline Deal Leaves Hornets, Lakers in Unprecedented Territory

The trade would have sent center Mark Williams to Los Angeles.
Nov 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Alex Rodriguez watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center.
February 11, 2025

Glen Taylor Has ‘Limited’ Legal Options to Keep Timberwolves

One litigator says it’s usually “very hard to vacate an arbitration award.”
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) shoots over Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center.
February 11, 2025

Mavericks Eject Fans Over ‘Fire Nico’ Jeers, Skip Postgame Press Conference

The team booted multiple fans from Monday night’s game.
February 10, 2025

Arbitrators Find for A-Rod, Marc Lore in Timberwolves Ownership Battle

Rodriguez is set to become an NBA owner after a yearslong saga.
February 10, 2025

Eagles Laid Super Bowl Blueprint, but the Bill Is Coming Soon

Zack Baun and Josh Sweat will be free agents this offseason.
February 10, 2025

Lakers, Luka Dončić Seize Super Bowl Spotlight With Star’s Monday Debut

The Lakers face the Jazz on Monday night.