The Las Vegas Raiders made a shocking move on Halloween night, announcing the firing of Josh McDaniels, putting an abrupt end to his brief (and expensive) stint as head coach.
Judging by how the vast majority of the team reacted to the news, it’s safe to say McDaniels’ firing was more than welcomed by the players.
Now, multiple reports of what exactly took place behind-the-scenes have confirmed that to be the case.
FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer reported that “there was such a big disconnect with the players there and Josh McDaniels … The players had recently gone upstairs to the owner, Mark Davis, to tell (him) what their problems were.”
The situation escalated during a tumultuous team meeting, characterized by what Glazer described as an “airing of the grievances” between coaches and players.
Glazer revealed that “players just unloaded on Josh McDaniels, from captain to captain to player to player.”
Allegedly, McDaniels had called upon linebackers coach Antonio Pierce to speak on his behalf during the meeting … However, the situation took a surprising turn as Pierce, a former New York Giants standout, reportedly referenced Big Blue’s historic Super Bowl XLII upset victory over the New England Patriots.
Intending to serve as an “anything is possible” inspirational message, McDaniels instead took offense to Pierce’s reference … McDaniels of course the offensive coordinator in New England during those years.
“When he finished up that speech, everybody thinks they’re great – except for Josh McDaniels,” Glazer reported.
“Josh McDaniels then goes over to (Pierce) and says, ‘Don’t ever talk about the Patriots like that.’ … And then you really saw how divided that building got.”
Before firing Josh McDaniels, the Raiders had a team meeting where players directed their frustrations at McDaniels, and unloaded on him.
McDaniels had Antonio Pierce speak on his behalf, and Pierce brought up the Giants' '07 team that beat the undefeated Patriots, explaining… pic.twitter.com/Xg0RHaWhmH
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 5, 2023
The growing discontent eventually reached the ears of owner Mark Davis, who, according to Glazer, favored Pierce’s approach. Consequently, the decision was made to relieve McDaniels of his coaching duties, with Pierce swiftly appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Adding to the story of just how ugly things got behind-the-scenes was NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
“People asked and begged McDaniels to change his ways. In his way, he tried. But those who witnessed how he conducted himself during that Thursday practice felt the end was coming.,” Rapoport reported.
“Sources described McDaniels as far less involved than usual during that practice – akin to a bystander. He let the plays happen without correction, hoped players would self-correct, and avoided stepping in to handle every mistake. It was unlike the way he had handled every previous practice during his tenure.”
“Players – and coaches – had ripped into him during the meeting. The point of the session was to be upfront and honest to try to fix what was wrong for the then-3-4 Raiders. Among the issues addressed: Overcorrecting, long meetings, the ways in which McDaniels attempted to hold players accountable, and blaming players for issues with play-calling.”
“The meeting appeared to affect him in a negative way, sources say … One source described McDaniels as a shell of himself.” Rapoport concluded.
For what it’s worth, the good vibes from the firing certainly seemed to carry over on the field as the Raiders dominated the Giants 30-6 on Sunday.
Inside the #Raiders locker room with HC Antonio Pierce… and just watch how Davante Adams is locked in on what he's saying.
The ending here is also great.
Pierce has brought a new energy to Vegas.pic.twitter.com/xolGcoJiLr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 6, 2023
These guys must’ve been in HELL under Josh McDaniels 😂 https://t.co/SlVaUe3V4e
— Obi (@3THWENT) November 6, 2023
What do you think McDaniels’ next step will end up being?
Will he once again head back to New England? … Should Belichick be interested in taking him back?
Then again, with how big of a mess the Patriots are, maybe that’s a decision Bill won’t even get to make…