Tom Brady's dream of owning an NFL team has quickly turned into a nightmare. The legendary quarterback is reportedly fuming over the Las Vegas Raiders' disastrous 2-9 start, his first season as a minority owner. But here's where it gets controversial: Brady, a man accustomed to winning, is said to be deeply frustrated with the team's performance, and it's not just the offense that's got him scratching his head.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Brady was a strong advocate for hiring former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who was unceremoniously fired just 11 games into his three-year contract. Russini notes that Brady has confided in close associates about his disappointment in the team's overall performance, suggesting his frustrations run deeper than just the offensive struggles. And this is the part most people miss: Brady reportedly played a significant role in shaping the Raiders' roster, which currently ranks a dismal 30th in total offense and a middling 14th in total defense.
Brady's influence extends beyond player selection. He was instrumental in the search committee that hired head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, as confirmed by Raiders owner Mark Davis. Additionally, Brady reportedly supported the trade for quarterback Geno Smith, while The Athletic's Michael Silver revealed Brady was against pursuing Sam Darnold. Ironically, Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks are now thriving with an 8-3 record, sitting atop the NFC West.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are in disarray. Following a humiliating loss to the 3-8 Cleveland Browns, they've appointed former quarterbacks coach Greg Olson as interim offensive coordinator for Week 13. The coaching shakeup doesn't stop there—special teams coordinator Tom McMahon and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell were also recently fired. Carroll himself admitted the team is in 'uncharted waters' after these midseason firings.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer raises an intriguing point: while Carroll's retirement seems unlikely, the new ownership group, including Brady, may push for a fresh start with a new coaching staff. The Raiders' performance under interim leadership, starting with Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, could be pivotal in determining Carroll's future with the team.
Is Tom Brady's ownership debut a cautionary tale about the challenges of transitioning from player to executive? Or is this just a temporary setback for a franchise in desperate need of a reset? One thing's clear: the Raiders' struggles have sparked intense debate among fans and analysts alike. What do you think? Is Brady's frustration justified, or is he partly to blame for the team's woes? Let us know in the comments!
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