NFL legend Tom Brady has officially secured a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders as of October 2024. After a long approval process, the former quarterback-turned-Fox-broadcaster has now joined the franchise in an official capacity. With his wealth of experience and leadership, Brady is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.
Tom Brady’s Journey to Raiders Ownership
Brady’s investment in the Raiders faced several hurdles before finally being approved. Raiders owner Mark Davis confirmed the development during a press conference on Tuesday, where he introduced the team’s new head coach, Pete Carroll, and general manager, John Spytek.
Davis expressed his excitement about Brady’s involvement, highlighting that the team had been lacking a strong football-minded figure in ownership.
“Bringing in Tom Brady was bringing in somebody on the football side that I had been lacking having here in the organization,” Davis told reporters, as per ESPN.
Brady’s Role in the Organization
Davis mentioned that Brady’s role will be similar to what he initially envisioned for Jon Gruden when he hired him in 2018. Gruden was expected to bring stability to the Raiders but resigned in 2021 due to controversy surrounding leaked emails.
“He was somebody that I brought in and really expected to be that person on the football side that would bring stability to the organization,” Davis said of Gruden. However, with Gruden’s departure, the team struggled to find a long-term direction.
Brady’s deep knowledge of the game, winning mentality, and leadership skills are expected to be an asset to the franchise as they work towards rebuilding and finding consistency.
Raiders’ Coaching Changes and Struggles
Since Gruden’s exit, the Raiders have gone through multiple coaching changes. The team has had four different head coaches, including interim coach Rich Bisaccia, and full-time hires Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce. However, neither McDaniels nor Pierce was given two full seasons to turn things around.
With the hiring of veteran coach Pete Carroll, who will become the oldest head coach in NFL history in Week 1, Davis hopes to finally bring stability to the franchise.
“We want to build something here and again, that’s been the process and that mindset all along,” Davis said. He acknowledged that Gruden’s sudden departure disrupted the team’s plans, but he remains optimistic that Carroll and Spytek can help turn things around.
The Raiders’ Performance and Future Outlook
The Raiders have struggled in recent years. Under Gruden, they posted a 22-31 record (.415 winning percentage). Since then, the team has gone 25-38 (.397 winning percentage) and has only made the playoffs once, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
Pete Carroll, on the other hand, has an impressive coaching record of 170-120-1. He has maintained a winning record in 11 of the last 12 seasons. However, the Raiders are coming off a disappointing 4-13 season, meaning Carroll has a major challenge ahead to rebuild the team and restore a winning culture.
With Tom Brady now officially part of the Raiders’ ownership and Pete Carroll stepping in as head coach, the franchise is entering a new chapter. Brady’s leadership and football expertise could provide the stability the team has been searching for since Gruden’s departure. While the road ahead won’t be easy, the Raiders are hopeful that these changes will bring long-term success. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this new era unfolds in Las Vegas.
