### Raiders Shake Up Coaching Staff Amid Disappointing Season The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant coaching change following a disappointing start to their season, currently standing at 2-7. This decision comes after a narrow 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, which highlighted ongoing issues within the team's special teams unit. The Raiders have a history of in-season coaching changes, and this latest move signals a potential shift in strategy as they look to salvage their season. The firing of special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, who had been with the team since 2022, underscores the urgency for improvement on the sidelines as the team heads into the second half of the season [https://thesportstak.com/american-football/national-football-league/story/las-vegas-raiders-make-bold-sideline-move-following-coaching-shake-up-amid-rocky-season-start-3213343-2025-11-09]. ### Breakdown of Recent Coaching Changes 1. **Firing of Tom McMahon**: - The Raiders dismissed special teams coordinator Tom McMahon after a series of poor performances, particularly highlighted by the recent loss to the Broncos where special teams errors were pivotal [https://apnews.com/article/mcmahon-raiders-carroll-special-teams-82cd2977012fa05312aa60dc19e10516]. 2. **Interim Replacement**: - Derius Swinton II, the assistant special teams coach, has been appointed as the interim coordinator. He has previous experience as a special teams coordinator with the 49ers and Chargers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_fire_special_teams_coordinator_tom_mcmahon/s1_17049_43033177]. 3. **Coaching History**: - McMahon was retained by head coach Pete Carroll despite the team's struggles, but the ongoing issues with special teams, including blocked kicks and penalties, ultimately led to his dismissal [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_fire_st_coordinator_tom_mcmahon/s1_17039_43033033]. 4. **Team Performance Context**: - The Raiders have struggled significantly this season, with their special teams unit ranking as the worst in the league according to Pro Football Focus, which has raised questions about the overall coaching strategy [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_make_massive_coaching_change/s1_17391_43033116]. ### Supporting Evidence of Team Struggles - **Special Teams Performance**: - The Raiders' special teams have been plagued by issues, including: - **Blocked Kicks**: Multiple blocked punts, including one that directly contributed to the loss against the Broncos [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_fire_special_teams_coordinator_tom_mcmahon/s1_17049_43033177]. - **Penalties**: The team has committed 19 penalties on special teams this season, severely impacting their field position [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_fire_key_member_of_coaching_staff_after_latest_loss/s1_14819_43033173]. - **Overall Ranking**: The Raiders' special teams unit has the lowest overall grade in the league, indicating systemic issues that needed addressing [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_fire_special_teams_coordinator_tom_mcmahon/s1_17049_43033177]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point for the Raiders In summary, the Las Vegas Raiders are at a critical juncture in their season, having made a bold move by firing special teams coordinator Tom McMahon after a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos. This decision reflects the team's urgent need for improvement as they navigate a challenging season. The appointment of Derius Swinton II as interim coordinator may provide a fresh perspective, but the overall effectiveness of the coaching staff, including head coach Pete Carroll, remains under scrutiny. 1. **Coaching Change**: The firing of McMahon indicates a serious commitment to improving team performance. 2. **Interim Leadership**: Swinton's appointment could lead to a revitalization of the special teams unit. 3. **Performance Metrics**: The Raiders' special teams issues have been well-documented, necessitating immediate corrective action. 4. **Future Outlook**: The effectiveness of these changes will be critical as the Raiders aim to turn their season around [https://thesportstak.com/american-football/national-football-league/story/las-vegas-raiders-make-bold-sideline-move-following-coaching-shake-up-amid-rocky-season-start-3213343-2025-11-09].