Toucher & Rich react to Raiders firing Josh McDaniels, GM David Ziegler
The Las Vegas Raiders have fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler after the team’s disappointing 3-5 season record. This decision came shortly after a 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions. Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce is expected to take over as the interim coach, having resigned from his assistant position at Arizona State. McDaniels, in his second season with the Raiders, had a 9-16 record. The Raiders have struggled with offensive issues, ranking near the bottom in yards per game and points per contest. Owner Mark Davis has yet to announce plans for a coaching search or a permanent replacement for McDaniels.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
McDaniels and Ziegler, appointed in January 2022, took charge of a team that had posted a 10-7 record, making an unexpected playoff appearance during the 2021 season. This playoff berth was only the second for the organization since 2002. The team achieved this under the interim leadership of coach Rich Bisaccia and the then-General Manager, Mike Mayock, who stepped in after coach Jon Gruden’s mid-season resignation.
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During this morning’s Toucher and Rich radio program, the guys discussed the firing of Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach McDaniels and general manager Ziegler. They criticized the decision and discussed the team’s poor performance and missed opportunities during McDaniels’ tenure. The hosts also mentioned the possibility of McDaniels returning to the New England Patriots and questioned the owner’s decision-making.
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Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.
Greg Bedard: 'Ten Questions' and NFL trade deadline reaction
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com joined the Felger & Mazz program on Tuesday following the New England Patriots 31-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. While on, Greg Bedard did his weekly “10 Questions” segment on the program following Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season.
First Things First: Bedard Trade Deadline Reaction
Bedard: I’m sick of watching this franchise piss away assets like it has the last five years. Get the checkbook out, Robert and sign these guys. I don’t care if it’s too much. Get it done. You didn’t get anything for these players. You’re keeping them here? Then write the check. Write a big, fat check right now. In the next couple of weeks, extend them. Show everyone that you have a young core that you’re moving forward with. C’mon, let’s go. Otherwise, just get out of here. Just retire. Go away. Sell the team. Like, have some sort of vision for what you’re going to do.
In my personal opinion, I think that what’s best for the Patriots is that they lose a lot of games. It makes the decision for Kraft to move on from Belichick very easy. And then they can start fresh with a new regime.
I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think they’re going to win more games, though. I think they’re going to get competitive. It’ll make Belichick supporters happy. Then he’ll be back in there for next year and all that crap, even if will be more of a facade.
The 10 Questions
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones interacts with fans during warmups before the Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
10. What’s been the coolest trade of your lifetime? Most interesting? Any team, any sport?
Bedard: It’s always going to be Herschel Walker trade for me. It was humungous and stunning. And it created the Cowboys dynasty.
9. What was the best trade in Patriots history?
Bedard: Wes Welker. They basically fleeced the Dolphins. Saban gave him away and he was a great player.
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu Sr. of the New England Patriots warms up prior to their game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
8. What was the worst (in Patriots history)?
Bedard: Oh, Mohamed Sanu, what a joke. Second-round pick for eight games and 26 catches. I mean, it was just God awful.
DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after his team’s 17-16 win against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on September 10, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
7. Give me the most interesting, somewhat realistic, trade that SHOULD happen today across the NFL?
Bedard: Mac Jones to the Raiders for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) grabs Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) after fumbling the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
6. The Pats were obviously involved in two of the more high profile coaching trades in NFL history (i.e. Parcells and Belichick). Give me a good coaching trade right now. Who should go where, and for what?
Bedard: Bill Belichick to the Panthers for Brian Burns, the edge rusher.
Referees look on during a game between the New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
5. Who is the biggest toolbag in the NFL right now?
Bedard: The referees, just in general. These games are so poorly officiated and inconsistent. What the hell’s going on? What are we watching every week?
Mar 17, 2023; Henderson, NV, USA; New Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo speaks to the media at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
4. After last night’s display on Monday Night Football, where do the Raiders go from here?
Bedard: I don’t know. They have to get the quarterback playing better. Garoppolo left two or three bombs to Devonte Adams on the field. If he hits those, the Raiders have like 350 yards of offense and more touchdowns. They could’ve won that game. But I don’t know. Garoppolo is just not comfortable in that offense.
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) intercepts a pass intended to New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
3. What is the best team in the NFL right now?
Bedard: I think it’s the Dolphins after watching the Dolphins defense on film with Ramsey there. Now, Fangio’s been there for half a season now. I think it’s the Dolphins. I think the Dolphins are really good. I thought they were a lot more competitive against the Eagles than people want to give them credit for. I do wonder whether this offense can travel in the winter, in the playoffs, if they have to do that. But I think the Dolphins, I think they’re terrific right now.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the first half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
2. If you had to dress up as one NFL figure tonight for Halloween who would it be?
Bedard: Andy Reid. I don’t know. I find the guy lovable. He looks funny and he’s got the tool belt and the headset and the Cheesecake Factory menu. He makes me laugh when I look at him.
1. What’s your least favorite part of Halloween?
Bedard: I don’t know. I love Halloween, but I can’t eat the candy anymore. I’m just going to get fat. Once I have a piece of candy, I’m not going to stop, so I can’t. I can’t eat the candy. I hate it. I just want to pig out. But I can’t. So it’s frustrating.
