The Las Vegas Raiders dismissed special teams coordinator Tom McMahon following Thursday’s disappointing 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. Special teams has been a consistent letdown this season. Kicker Daniel Carlson has missed a number of crucial kicks, including a potential game-tying one versus Denver, and also missed an extra point in a one-point overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.
Pete Carroll had inherited McMahon from the previous regime. He initially decided to retain him, but has now opted for change. With a long-term vacancy open, we’ve identified three candidates to be the Raiders’ next full-time special teams coordinator.
Derius Swinton II
Carroll named former special teams assistant Derius Swinton II as the interim coordinator for the remainder of the season. He’ll receive an opportunity down the stretch to prove he deserves the full-time gig in 2026. Swinton was the 49ers’ special teams coordinator in 2016, and held the same title with the Chargers in 2021. He first joined the Raiders as an assistant in 2023.
Brian Schneider
Brian Schneider is currently the assistant special teams coordinator for the Washington Commanders. The Commanders can’t block him from interviewing with the Raiders, because he would technically be interviewing for a promotion. Schneider was Carroll’s long-time special teams coordinator in Seattle from 2010-2020.
Daren Bates
Daren Bates is a former NFL linebacker who was a Pro Bowl special teams player. He began his foray into coaching in Seattle under Carroll as an assistant coach in 2023. Since then, he’s been serving as the Carolina Panthers’ assistant special teams coordinator. Is Bates ready for the head role? Reuniting with Carroll could be a possibility.