The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a state of upheaval as general manager John Spytek assumes full control of football operations, working closely with minority owner Tom Brady. This significant shift follows the announcement by principal owner Mark Davis on December 4, 2023, that head coach Pete Carroll has been relieved of his duties after a disappointing 3-14 season. Brady is also set to serve as Fox’s lead in-game analyst during the playoffs, adding to the complexity of his dual commitments.
Reports from ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler and Ryan McFadden indicate that the Raiders, struggling with performance, require more from Brady as they navigate this turbulent period. Former Raiders player and personnel director Ken Herock emphasized the need for Brady to prioritize the organization fully. He stated, “If he’s going to help with the organization, he needs to be there 24/7.”
Concerns over potential conflicts of interest surrounding Brady’s roles have persisted since his minority ownership stake was approved in 2024. Most recently, insiders revealed that Brady is perceived by Davis as “the de facto boss” regarding football decisions. Spytek acknowledged this dynamic, mentioning that he and Brady engage in “plenty of discussions and disagreements” about front office decisions.
A representative of a Raiders client noted in December that “Brady has a lot of say in the organization.” However, some former personnel executives have voiced skepticism about Brady’s influence, particularly given his lack of experience in team management. One former executive remarked, “Tom has never run a team… he doesn’t have any experience with this.”
The question remains whether Brady will ever view his position with the Raiders as a full-time commitment. Sports commentator Mike Florio has suggested that Brady should resign from broadcasting to dedicate himself to running the franchise. Despite these calls for a shift, Brady’s ten-year contract with Fox, reportedly worth $375 million, complicates such a decision.
A former Raiders assistant coach highlighted the challenges of Brady’s current arrangement, stating, “It’s a full-time job running a football team, making decisions in personnel.” Critics argue that having someone who primarily calls games on Sundays advising on decisions like quarterback signings is problematic.
Despite the ongoing critiques of Brady’s involvement, both the NFL and Davis have permitted him to maintain his minority ownership while continuing his broadcasting career. Although Brady may not be solely responsible for the Raiders’ struggles, his limited contribution over the past year raises concerns about the franchise’s direction moving forward.
