The Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Mike Mayock on Monday, after Mayock spent three seasons with the organization.
That news is very interesting in itself (and will Mayock return to the sports media world, where he served as a top NFL draft expert before the Raiders job?), but it’s also increased chatter that Jim Harbaugh could leave the Michigan to become the Raiders’ head coach.
Earlier on Tuesday (before the Mayock news was announced), oddsmakers listed Harbaugh as the favorite to be the Raiders’ head coach, even ahead of current Las Vegas head coach Rich Bisaccia- who led the Raiders to a surprising playoff run after replacing Jon Gruden in-season.
#Raiders coach odds per @SportsBettingAG:
Jim Harbaugh 2-1
Bisaccia 5-2
Doug Pederson 5-1
Mike Tomlin 7-1
Dabo Swinney 8-1
Byron Leftwich 10-1
David Shaw 10-1
Eric Bieniemy 10-1
Sean Payton 10-1
Todd Bowles 10-1
Brian Daboll 14-1
Joe Brady 16-1
Nathaniel Hackett 20-1
Lane! 100-1— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 17, 2022
So, that speculation naturally was going to increase with Mayock out of the picture. The general thought has been that Harbaugh may not leave Michigan unless he gets an NFL job where he has full control, playing a huge part — and potentially the main part, essentially serving as the general manager — in an organization’s roster decisions (then again, that was assumed to be how things were in the Raiders’ structure with Gruden as the head coach anyway, with Gruden seeming to be the primary decision-maker on major roster moves).
Additionally, we know that Raiders owner Mark Davis is willing to go *big* to find a head coach; he gave Gruden a 10-year, $100 million contract to persuade Gruden to leave ESPN and Monday Night Football. And if Harbaugh really wants another shot at the NFL, the 58-year-old may decide that the time is now.
Here’s a look at more talk on Twitter about Harbaugh potentially going to the Raiders:
Pure speculation, but Jim Harbaugh to oversee the Raiders as the "coach-centric" hire sure seems like something to keep an eye on now that Mike Mayock is gone.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 17, 2022
So it's my understanding Michigan and Jim Harbaugh have had productive talks on a new deal/competitive offer-package has been made. At this point, it's about what Harbaugh wants to do.
Michigan, as I understand it, welcomes JH at UM. But some at M wonder if he's torn about NFL.
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 18, 2022
Very much sounds like it's Harbaugh to the Raiders if he wants it, which 100% can't be ruled out. Not sure what Derek Carr would think about that. https://t.co/a9eDchbn9K
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) January 18, 2022
The #Raiders have requested to interview Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds for their now open GM position.
Dodds started out in personnel in Oakland under Al Davis as an intern from 2003-06, when Jim Harbaugh was the Raiders QB coach. #ReadTeaLeaves #RaiderNation
— Joe Arrigo (@joearrigofsm) January 18, 2022
Head coach guesses:
Chicago Bears: Brian Daboll
Denver Broncos: Dan Quinn
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel
Houston Texans: Jerod Mayo
Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Leftwich
Minnesota Vikings: Todd Bowles
NY Giants: Brian Flores
Las Vegas Raiders: Jim Harbaugh— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) January 17, 2022
Jim Harbaugh to the Raiders seems destined to happen now, right? Imagine if it does, then they trade Derek Carr to Pittsburgh to face Jim’s brother John twice a year. Oh the drama!
We’ll see! pic.twitter.com/1ehnybqSQs
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) January 17, 2022
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.