Silver And Black Pride
Minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek are the duo tabbed to lead the Las Vegas Raiders into a new era this offseason.
Brady has the name recognition being dubbed the GOAT quarterback with his on-field accolades and as a well-paid color commentator/analyst for Fox Sports. Spytek is the fledgling general manager that brings promise but just completed a rocky 2025 campaign.
But as mentioned above with Brady: He’s entrenched as a an analyst and on TV.
And that renders him an occasional presence at team HQ in Henderson and on the sideline at Allegiant Stadium. Unlike owner Mark Davis who, through the misery and fleeting success, remains a constant presence.
Which makes it time for Spytek to lead as the Silver & Blacks GM. Spytek is the day-to-day presence all-thing Raider. And when he and Brady decide on the next head coach, it’ll be the general manager working side-by-side with the newly hired head man. Even if Spytek is a conduit for Brady, it’s the former that will have constant communication with the selected head coach.
But Spytek wasn’t shy about stating the connection he has with Brady and noted that while the minority owner isn’t a daily attendee, the two do indeed talk on a consistent basis.
“I know you’re kind of on this. I talk to him a lot. He’s aware of what we’re doing. I don’t bore him with the mundane transactions or all that, but any big decision, I’ve talked to him about,” Spytek said during his season-ending press conference this past Monday. “Any vision, I’ve talked to him about. He’s a great resource for me. He’s a great partner in this for me. I would be not doing a good job and be a fool if I didn’t talk to him. He’s been supportive of me. He can’t be here every day right now, but I promise you I talk to him a lot, and he and I are on the same page.”
Being on the same page is mission critical. Las Vegas appeared to have several points of contention this past season that culminated in a 3-14 overall record — but the No. 1 overall pick. And it’s those two key decisions: The eventual head coach and top pick in the April’s draft which make it vital for Spytek to be the boots-on-the-ground decision maker. While Brady is slated to have his influence alongside and through Spytek, the future hall of fame quarterback’s day job eats a lot of his availability. And it’s the lack of bandwidth which puts a spotlight on the 45-year-old general manager.
The Raiders are embarking on their head coach search and hire. The team reportedly interviewed Denver Broncos quarterback coach Davis Webb and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Expect more names on tap as the offseason and playoffs continue.
Las Vegas search will likely be deliberate...
