Key Highlights
- Raider’s special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was fired after a poor performance.
- Mahome has been with the Raiders since 2022 under head coaches Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Pete Carroll.
- Kicker Daniel Carlson and punter A.J. Cole are struggling this season, with worse performances compared to previous years.
Raider’s Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon Fired Amidst Poor Performance
The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant change in their special teams unit on November 7, 2025, by firing longtime coordinator Tom McMahon. According to NFL Media, this move comes after another underwhelming performance that has tarnished the team’s efforts in critical game situations.
Background and Tenure
Mahome, who turned 56 years old in May 2025, was hired by former head coach Josh McDaniels to lead the special teams in 2022. He continued under Antonio Pierce until this year, when current head coach Pete Carroll took over. Despite his experience and loyalty to the team, McMahon’s tenure saw a decline in the effectiveness of the Raiders’ special teams.
Current Performance Struggles
The performance of key special teams players has been a cause for concern this season. Kicker Daniel Carlson, who joined the Raiders in 2024, has struggled with his field goals and extra points. Specifically, he has made only 12 out of 16 attempts on field goals and 11 out of 12 extra points.
His most notable miss came during a crucial moment when he failed to tie the game in the fourth quarter from 48 yards away.
Punter A.J. Cole, another veteran player, has also faced significant challenges this season. He blocked his second punt of the year recently, and his overall performance has deteriorated with an average drop from 50.8 yards to 47.6 yards per attempt compared to last year. His net average has also dropped from 42.5 yards in 2024 to 37.5 yards in 2025.
Current Coaching Staff
The Raiders currently have Kade Rannings and Derius Swinton serving as assistant special teams coaches. These individuals will likely play a crucial role in helping the team improve its special teams performance moving forward.
In conclusion, the firing of Tom McMahon highlights the ongoing struggles of the Raiders’ special teams unit this season. The team’s decision to make this change underscores the need for immediate improvement and better execution in critical game moments.
