Las Vegas Raiders Fire Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon
The Las Vegas Raiders have finally lowered the boom on Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon. After a season of head-scratching blunders that would make even the most patient fan tear their hair out, the organization decided enough was enough. Another ugly special teams performance, this time in a soul-crushing 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, was the final nail in McMahon’s coffin.
The move comes after what looked like a heated sideline exchange between McMahon and Head Coach Pete Carroll. You don’t need to be a professional lip reader to know that the conversation probably wasn’t about where to get the best post-game tacos. When the camera catches the head honcho and a coordinator getting into it, you can bet someone’s parking spot is about to become available.
This decision wasn’t just a knee-jerk reaction to one bad game, though. It’s been a slow-motion train wreck all season. The Raiders’ special teams unit has been less “special” and more “what in the world was that?”
A Season Of Special Teams Nightmares
Let’s be honest, the writing has been on the wall for a while. The special teams unit has been a consistent source of frustration, single-handedly sabotaging field position and, at times, the will of the Raiders faithful.
Consider the evidence. Kicker Daniel Carlson, who used to be as automatic as a sunrise, has been shockingly human this year. He’s already missed four field goals, including a 48-yarder against the Broncos that would have tied the game with just over four minutes left. In the NFL, you simply cannot leave points on the field, especially when your offense is struggling to score more than a touchdown. Each miss feels like a gut punch, deflating the team and the entire stadium.
And it’s not just the kicker. Punter A.J. Cole has seen his numbers plummet. His net average is down a staggering five yards from last season. To add insult to injury, he’s had two punts blocked. TWO! Having one punt blocked is an anomaly; two is a bright, flashing neon sign that something is fundamentally broken.
What’s Next For the Raiders?
So, where do the Raiders go from here? The team has a couple of assistant special teams coaches, Kade Rannings and Derius Swinton, who will likely take over in the interim. It’s a classic “next man up” situation, but they have a monumental task ahead of them. They need to restore confidence and, more importantly, competence to a unit that has been bleeding yards and points.
Firing McMahon is a significant move. It’s a clear signal from Carroll and the front office that the status quo is unacceptable. While it’s just one coach, this feels like the first domino to fall. When a team is sitting at 2-7, no one’s job is truly safe. For the long-suffering fans of the silver and black, this is a bittersweet moment. It’s a relief to see a change, but it’s also a stark reminder of how deeply flawed this season has become.
