The Las Vegas Raiders made the surprise decision to hire Josh McDaniels as their next head coach.
He replaced interim leader Rich Bisaccia, who was also running the special teams in Las Vegas.
That leaves a job for McDaniels to replace.
McDaniels and new GM Dave Ziegler are both coming over from the New England Patriots.
That means they may be seeking former Bill Belichick assistants in an attempt to bring that magic out west.
This explains why the team is reportedly looking at an interesting name to be their new special teams coordinator.
Raiders have shown interest in former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge becoming their special teams coordinator position, per source. Judge is staying patient with opportunities after two years in New York so this might not happen. But the New England connection is there.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 7, 2022
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is reporting that the Raiders are looking at former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge to run the special teams unit.
His past makes him a perfect fit if he wants the job.
Joe Judge Knows Special Teams
NFL fans witnessed a special teams breakdown in Green Bay cost the Packers a shot at the NFC Championship Game this postseason.
So teams everywhere want to make sure they aren’t treating special teams like a forgettable part of the process.
Judge started as a special teams assistant for the Patriots in 2012 before getting the coordinator job in 2015.
His work helped him build up his reputation enough to be the head coach of the Giants in 2020.
We all know his tenure was a bit of a disaster.
Those are the 2 landing spots I’ve heard a few times for Joe Judge. Won’t be #Texans. If it’s #Patriots, I think it will be a hybrid coaching role with some say in offense or defense, not just special teams. https://t.co/mSIqgW0yK9
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) February 7, 2022
But getting back to basics and doing what he does best could help his stock rise again in the coaching ranks.
Judge is only 40 years old and can take a few years to gain more experience.
McDaniels is a perfect example of that, as he has another head coaching opportunity over a decade after his first failed try with the Denver Broncos.
A staff of former Patriots assistants could be what it takes to make the Raiders perennial contenders in Las Vegas.
