Pros and cons of 5 coaches the Raiders interviewed this week
The Raiders wasted no time beginning their search for a new coach, interviewing five candidates in three days after firing Pete Carroll on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Raiders interviewed Davis Webb, the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator of the Denver Broncos.
On Thursday, they spoke with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
They wrapped up the first week of interviews by talking with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on Friday.
They will extend their search next week before deciding on whom to bring in for second interviews.
A look at the pros and cons of each candidate they interviewed this week:
Webb
Pros
It hasn’t taken Webb, 30, long to capture the attention of the NFL as a bright offensive mind, innovative thinker and teacher. Within league circles, he is seen as a future head coach who only needs time to develop and build his résumé.
One could argue his three years on the coaching sideline are far too little to hand him the keys to a franchise, but he could be that rare case of a coach who is ahead of his years.
Cons
It’s hard to overlook the inexperience or that Webb has not even been a coordinator. It would be a massive leap of faith to think he could jump from quarterbacks coach to head coach.
Stefanski
Pros
Stefanski, 43, led the Browns to two postseason appearances and a playoff win in Cleveland despite dysfunction and a meddling owner who forced quarterback changes against Stefanski’s wishes. He is a bright, measured, innovative leader comfortable as the face of a franchise and an ideal candidate to groom a young quarterback.
Cons
Stefanski’s calm demeanor can be viewed as a weakness just as much as a strength, and there were complaints that it wasn’t strong enough to inspire players. The Browns especially needed a strong leader to push them beyond their talent and circumstances.
Joseph
Pros
Joseph, 53, is an unquestioned defensive mind with a sharp personnel and schematic mind to help fix the Raiders’ defense. The Broncos fielded the top-ranked defense in the NFL this season.
Cons
It’s hard to overlook the two years Joseph spent as the head coach of the Broncos, or the lack of progress the team made under him. Does he deserve a second chance? Probably. But can the Raiders afford to take a chance on another coach who might be better suited as a coordinator?
Nagy
Pros
Go back and look at what Nagy, 47, did as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, inheriting quarterback Mitch Trubisky and pushing them to the playoffs two times in four seasons. In retrospect, Nagy got a lot out of what turned out to be a little. He would be a great fit with a young quarterback.
Cons
The Bears regressed offensively during Nagy’s tenure, and he struggled with time management and developing quarterback Justin Fields. Can the Raiders afford to turn their future and young quarterback over to someone who hasn’t proved he has learned from his mistakes?
Kubiak
Pros
Kubiak, 38, gets high grades for his schemes and innovation, and it’s hard to overlook his work in Seattle, building a top-three offense and getting the most out of quarterback Sam Darnold. He could be the next budding offensive mind to make a successful transition to being a head coach.
Cons
For all of Kubiak’s schematic creativity, there are concerns within league circles that his flatline personality isn’t suited for commanding a locker room and leading a football team.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.
