Las Vegas Raiders Hit With The Worst Possible Update In Their Pursuit Of John Harbaugh
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Las Vegas Raiders keep searching for direction, and John Harbaugh sits high on their wish list. He brings a Super Bowl title, years of winning, and league-wide respect. Many believe he could quickly turn the franchise around.
That hope took a hit this week. The Miami Dolphins made a surprise move by firing head coach Mike McDaniel. The decision instantly changed the coaching market and caught attention across the NFL.
For the Raiders, this creates a new problem. Las Vegas is already facing a rebuild. Now they must compete with Miami, a team that looks more stable and may have stronger connections to Harbaugh. The path to landing him just got much harder.
Dolphins Enter The Harbaugh Picture
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Harbaugh now looms as a “key candidate” for Miami. Rapoport also pointed to owner Stephen Ross’ long-standing relationship with the Harbaugh family. He even suggested Harbaugh’s availability could serve as “a reason to fire a coach.”
That detail matters. Miami can sell a roster loaded with talent and recent playoff success. The Raiders, on the other hand, have to sell patience, flexibility, and a long rebuild. Right now, Miami clearly has the upper hand.
Dolphins leaders tried to cool the talk. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that Miami has not contacted Harbaugh or his camp. Darlington also said the team made the McDaniel decision on its own. Still, Miami plans to wait on its coaching search until it hires a new general manager.
That only adds to all these. One GM finalist, Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, worked with the Ravens from 1999 to 2019. He shares a close relationship with Harbaugh. That link keeps speculation alive.
The Raiders now feel the pressure. If they genuinely want Harbaugh, they need to act quickly and make a strong pitch. Waiting too long could cost them their top choice, as reports already indicate that the Giants are also targeting Harbaugh.
If Harbaugh goes elsewhere, another option appears. Mike McDaniel could become available, and his name may quickly enter the Raiders’ coaching discussion.
“I’m torn on McDaniel as HC,” Nguyen said. “One of the league’s premier schemers. He got the most out of his offensive players. His inability to beat good teams was concerning. That could be a Tua issue as well. I just know I’d give him a blank check to be an OC.”
For now, the Raiders follows every move of Miami closely. The chase for John Harbaugh just got tough.
