There may still be one game left in the season for the Raiders, but with the team officially out of the playoff picture, facing a Broncos team also with nothing to play for, the discussion shifts to the offseason business.
And no topic is of the more immediate importance than that of the head coaching position.
There are many players on the Raiders right now who would like to see interim head coach Antonio Pierce stick around and get the job permanently. But oddsmakers are thinking outside candidates are a better bet here.
The folks over at Bookies.com have the latest leading candidate being current Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Here is their full list of odds*:
Kellen Moore (Chargers OC) +350 (22.2%)
Ben Johnson (Lions OC) +400 (20.0%)
Frank Smith (Dolphins OC) +400 (20.0%)
Bill Belichick (Patriots HC) +575 (14.8%)
Jim Harbaugh (Michigan HC) +750 (11.8%)
Raheem Morris (Rams DC) +1400 (7.7%)
Eric Bieniemy (Chiefs OC) +1500 (6.3%)
Dan Quinn (Cowboys DC) +1800 (5.3%)
Mike Vrabel (Titans HC) +1800 (5.3%)
The Field +1500 (6.3%)
*Bookies.com odds are not official and are for entertainment purposes only
Obviously the big names on this list are that of Jim Harbaugh and Bill Belichick. And Mark Davis’s track record is that he is drawn to the flashy hires. But it would seem unlikely the latter would be in the cards for the Raiders after the failed ‘Patriot Way’ Josh McDaniels hire.
Harbaugh would be the flashiest hire of all. He’s currently head coach of the undefeated National Championship favorite Michigan Wolverines. And odds have the former 49ers head coach making his return to the NFL next season.
For what it’s worth, Harbaugh leads the odds to be the Chargers’ next head coach according to sportsbetting.ag.
These factors could be why it’s three prominent offensive coordinators who lead the odds to be the Raiders’ next head coach.