HENDERSON, Nev. — In the quest to find a general manager and a head coach, many NFL owners typically take an active role in the process. However, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis decided to lean on the expertise of Tom Brady.
Brady, a legendary quarterback with seven Super Bowl victories and currently working as a Fox NFL analyst, was invited into the Raiders organization as a minority owner last October. Davis entrusted a significant amount of the hiring process to Brady, who took the lead on the committee that appointed Pete Carroll as head coach and John Spytek as general manager.
“I’ve always believed that understanding what I don’t know is crucial,” remarked Davis. “To make informed decisions, I surround myself with individuals who have the expertise, allowing them the opportunity to execute their roles effectively. We discuss our vision and goals, but ultimately, results are what matter. If you understand the situation, managing this becomes more straightforward.”
Currently, the Raiders are striving to achieve the prestige that Davis envisions for the franchise, reminiscent of its golden years under his late father, Al Davis. The Raiders, who have secured three Super Bowl titles, have only reached the playoffs twice in the past 22 years. Nonetheless, Davis remains determined to restore the team’s status as a dominant force in the league.
Brady’s involvement extends beyond the Raiders; he also joined the Las Vegas Aces as a minority owner. The Aces have recently won WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, thanks in part to a record-breaking contract awarded to coach Becky Hammon, which is valued at five years and $5 million.
Carroll expressed the value of having Brady’s unparalleled experience within the organization. “With the greatest player of all time on board, we look forward to utilizing his unique insights, which are unmatched. However, the quarterback position is just one aspect of the team, and it’s vital for everything to cohesively come together,” Carroll added.
The Raiders currently face the crucial task of finding a quarterback in a competitive AFC West division, where each of their rivals has an established quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes aims for his third consecutive Super Bowl title, while Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers possesses standout talent. Additionally, Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to the playoffs during his rookie season.
In the recent seasons, Aidan O’Connell has taken the helm as the starting quarterback for the Raiders, but questions remain as to whether he represents a long-term solution. Spytek, having been part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ front office when they signed Baker Mayfield, has witnessed the quarterback’s career revival and back-to-back NFC South titles.
Spytek recalls playing alongside Brady at Michigan and recognizes the impact he has had on the game. “Being around someone I consider the greatest player ever was invaluable; his relentless love for the game and competitive spirit set him apart. We will explore every option to find that same caliber of leadership for our team,” he said.
Brady’s role is expected to transcend quarterback evaluations, as he aims to leave his mark on the franchise. “This is a vital chance for him to influence the organization, and we are enthusiastic about integrating him into these plans,” Carroll noted. “Mark has skillfully crafted a strategy to make sure we all align. (Brady) has been involved and will continue to be, and we plan to rely heavily on his expertise.”
As the team forges ahead, the big question remains: will Brady take on a de facto general manager role, or will he mainly provide counsel on significant decisions? Only time will unveil the answer. “There is a lot at play here, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Tom Brady in our corner,” Carroll stated. “It’s a remarkable opportunity that may not come again.”
