Sources: Mike Vrabel considered front-runner to be Raiders’ next head coach

With Sunday’s 34-19 loss to the Dolphins, the Raiders fell to 2-8 on the season and Antonio Pierce‘s first full season as head coach has translated to the team’s worst start since 2018.

Injuries have played a significant role in that disappointing start, but quarterback play and coaching, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, have pushed the Raiders into a position no one expected them to be at this point in the season.

Despite the difficult start, Pierce has maintained the support of the locker room but his chances of keeping his job after the season are dwindling with every loss.

Going back to their 34-18 loss at Denver on Oct. 6, the Raiders have lost six games in a row, and with new minority owner Tom Brady expected to have a prominent role in shaping the organization’s future, many believe that sweeping changes are coming.

Pierce’s job is not safe and there is a growing expectation in league circles that Mike Vrabel is going to be the next head coach of the Raiders. Brady was involved in the process that led to the hiring of Pierce, but sources have indicated that Pierce was not Brady’s top choice for the job.

Should the team move on from Pierce, expect the Raiders to follow Rooney Rule procedures during the NFL’s hiring process. Current defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was on the New England coaching staff from 2009-15, has a relationship with Brady and is highly respected at every level within the organization. Graham was a candidate for the head-coach job last year, and his inclusion in the interview process this time around wouldn’t be a formality to satisfy Rooney Rule obligations.

Still, Vrabel is considered the front runner for the job, according to several sources who spoke to Pro Football Post on a condition of anonymity.

Vrabel played 14 NFL seasons and won three Super Bowls in New England with Brady as his quarterback. Currently a coaching and personnel consultant with the Cleveland Browns, Vrabel served six seasons (2018-23) as head coach of the Titans. The former linebacker earned 2021 NFL Coach of the Year honors and led Tennessee to three playoff berths.

Las Vegas could have competition from the Browns should Cleveland move on from two-time NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. The Browns are also 2-8, coming off a 35-14 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.

For more information on the Raiders, visit the Las Vegas team page at ProFootballPost.com.