We’re approaching the third week that the Raiders have been without a head coach. They have had several interviews, but as of now have yet to find their guy.
They’ve watched as three different coaches in whom they have expressed interest have taken head coach positions elsewhere. So, on down the list they go.
There are currently four teams still looking for a head coach — Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys (though reports say they are leaning toward current OC Brian Schottenheimer to take the job).
These teams will be fighting over the top candidates this cycle.
Here are the top four the Raiders are looking at.
Former Seahawks HC Pete Carroll
The 73-year-old former longtime head coach is looking to get back to it. He had a successful 14-year run with the Seahawks that included a Super Bowl win and two NFC Championships. He also had head coaching stops with the Patriots, Jets, and USC Trojans. He had an interview with the Raiders last week.
Ravens OC Todd Monken
One of the most respected coordinators in the NFL. He has spent six years as an OC in the NFL, including three with the Buccaneers (2016-18) and the past two with the Ravens. In between, he was the OC at Georgia when they won two National Championships and where he coached Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The Raiders have requested an interview with him, but none has yet been reported.
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo
Spagnuolo was a head coach for three seasons with the Rams (2009-11). He went 10-38 in those seasons and hasn’t gotten a second shot since. But his six seasons as DC in KC has him once again being talked about as head coach material. The Raiders had a virtual interview with him and should they not jump the gun and hire a head coach before the Chiefs exit the playoffs, you’d figure an in-person interview with Spagnuolo would follow.
Former Jets HC Robert Saleh
Saleh went 20-36 over four seasons with the Jets and was fired five games into last season despite a decent 2-3 record. The fact that the previously highly respected DC is getting many interviews now is a testament to the respect he still has in league circles.
Other available candidates whose names who have frequently come up for head coaching jobs this cycle include: Bills OC Joe Brady, Eagles OC Kellen Moore, and Broncos DC Vance Joseph.