Tom Brady’s influence is about to shape the Raiders’ next coach, again
Minority owner Tom Brady’s role in Las Vegas keeps expanding, and the Raiders’ next head coach after Pete Carroll’s firing may reflect his long-term vision.
The Las Vegas Raiders are officially back at square one. After firing Pete Carroll following a disastrous 3–14 season, the franchise is once again searching for a head coach. And in the process, minority owner Tom Brady is no longer a background presence. He’s front and center.
The Raiders confirmed Monday that general manager John Spytek will lead the coaching search in collaboration with Brady, signaling a continued shift toward Brady having real influence over football decisions inside the organization.
Tom Brady is in the Raiders facility today as he prepares to take on a bigger role in the team's football operation, along with his college teammate, GM John Spytek.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 5, 2026
When the Raiders pivoted to Pete Carroll last offseason, Brady played a significant role in the process. Las Vegas had explored bigger-name options like Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel, but when those pursuits fell through, Brady helped steer the organization toward Carroll, a veteran coach with championship credentials and a reputation for culture-building.
That experiment lasted just one season. Now, Brady is back in the room as the Raiders prepare to make their fourth head coaching hire in four years, and the direction may look familiar.
Minter a frontrunner?
Brady and Spytek aren’t just colleagues. They’re former teammates at Michigan, and that shared background is causing speculation about the Raiders’ next move. One name that continues to surface in league circles is Jesse Minter, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator.
Los Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter is one of the hottest coaching candidates this cycle. pic.twitter.com/g6XtAdpMct
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 5, 2026
Minter checks several of Brady’s boxes:
- Former Michigan defensive coordinator
- National championship experience
- Interim head coaching experience when Jim Harbaugh was suspended in 2023
- Rising NFL assistant with leadership buzz
Brady played at Michigan. Spytek played at Michigan. Minter coached at Michigan. While the Raiders are expected to conduct a broad search, insiders believe Minter would enter the process with a built-in advantage if and when interviews begin.
Brady’s growing role suggests the Raiders will prioritize leadership and culture, alignment with long-term vision, and quarterback development
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas is expected to select a quarterback - likely Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore. That reality could push the Raiders toward an offensive-minded coach, but Brady’s influence complicates that assumption.
Brady has thrived under both offensive and defensive coaches and has publicly valued preparation, structure, and accountability, all traits that don’t belong to just one side of the ball.
That opens the door for multiple profiles:
- A Michigan-linked riser like Minter
- A Patriots-connected coach with Brady familiarity like Brian Daboll
- Or a proven head coach seeking a second chance like Robert Saleh
The Raiders have cycled through leadership at an alarming rate, and haven’t won a playoff game since 2002. Brady’s involvement raises expectations. Fair or not, his presence signals that this search won’t be business as usual. The Raiders already tried the “big name” route with Carroll. Now, with Brady helping steer the process again, Las Vegas is betting that alignment finally gets them back on track.
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