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Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis once again defies the influence of money in his franchise operations.
According to league sources, the firings of head coach Josh McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and several coaching staff members will amount to approximately $85 million for Davis.
Although some of these costs may be mitigated through offsets, the decision to fire these individuals was still described as “an expensive move” by a source close to ESPN.
The financial implications didn’t stop there for the Raiders, as interim head coach Antonio Pierce and interim GM Champ Kelly also had their contracts reworked.
Sources within the organization reveal that Davis is more concerned about building a winning team than the financial costs associated with his decisions. This led to the recent organizational shakeup, where costs were disregarded.
“Unfortunately, I had great hopes for Josh and Dave,” Davis told ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. “It just seemed we were heading in the wrong direction. So, with the trade deadline approaching, I felt it was necessary to make a change, to take action.”
Some sources had predicted these firings. Following the Raiders’ loss to the Bears with undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, a source close to the team texted ESPN: “Just heard if they lost on MNF bad [against the Lions], McDaniels is [gone].”
Although this source was not validated leading up to the Raiders’ loss on “Monday Night Football,” it was clear that Davis’ patience was wearing thin.
After the team’s loss to the Lions, Davis personally apologized to a group of Raiders players and confided in a select few within the organization that change was necessary.
Pierce will become the 12th individual to coach a game for the Raiders in the past 20 seasons, the highest number of any NFL franchise during that time. Since taking control of the team in October 2011, Davis has had a total of eight coaches, including interim and regular ones, following the passing of his father, Al Davis.
Unfortunately, the instability within the organization has had consequences for Davis beyond just the financial aspect. The Raiders have not won a division title since 2002, tying with the Jets for the third-longest active drought in the NFL, only behind the Browns (1989) and Lions (1993).
Davis expressed his intrigue in Pierce’s credentials, considering his nine-year NFL career as a linebacker, one Pro Bowl selection, and a Super Bowl title with the New York Giants. Pierce will make his NFL head-coaching debut against the Giants on Sunday.
“Pierce brings a fresh approach,” Davis said. “He seemed like the adjustment we need at this time. I was impressed.”
Davis also emphasized Pierce’s understanding of the Raiders’ culture, which he deemed important to him. He stated, “I felt very good about it.”
