Some players on the Las Vegas Raiders were unhappy that Rich Bisaccia was not named as the team’s head coach. Bisaccia guided the Raiders to a 7-5 record and a playoff appearance in 2021 as interim head coach after taking over following Jon Gruden’s resignation. But Maxx Crosby — Las Vegas’ star defensive end — has made it known that the support for Bisaccia isn’t a reflection on the new coach, Josh McDaniels.
Speaking to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez on Thursday, Crosby (seen at right celebrating with Datone Jones during an October 2021 game) made his feelings about Bisaccia known. But the Pro Bowl defensive end also expressed support for McDaniels.
“It’s a crazy business we’re in,” Crosby said, per Gutierrez. “Obviously, we’re going to be attached to certain people. There are certain people that are special that you get to meet. So, yeah, Rich, no matter what, if he’s here or gone or whatever, doesn’t matter, I’m going to always love him. So, yeah, coach McDaniels has nothing to do with him.”
“Obviously, I don’t know him much yet, but we’ve had great conversations, and we’re excited. We just want to win football games and that’s all that matters to me.”
Crosby being eager to work with McDaniels should bode well for the coach, who’s also excited about coaching the Raiders. Crosby is one of the best players on the team. In 2021, he recorded eight sacks, was named to his first Pro Bowl, earned Second-team All-Pro honors and was named to the PFWA All-AFC team.
More importantly, Crosby’s attitude is a wise one to have. Regardless of who his first choice as head coach would have been, McDaniels is the man in that job now.
[Paul Gutierrez; photo from Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports]