The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating a turbulent period following the dismissal of head coach Pete Carroll, with reports indicating that minority owner Tom Brady is playing a significant role in the team’s operations. Raiders principal owner Mark Davis confirmed on Monday that John Spytek has taken over all football operations, working closely with Brady to address the team’s challenges after a dismal 3-14 season.
Brady, who is also set to serve as Fox’s lead in-game analyst during the playoffs, faces increasing pressure to prioritize his involvement with the Raiders. According to former Raiders player and personnel director Ken Herock, if Brady intends to support the organization effectively, he must commit to being present full-time. Herock stated, “If he’s going to help with the organization, he needs to be there 24/7. I don’t want an outside adviser giving me advice on something for an hour, and then that’s it.”
Concerns regarding Brady’s dual roles have surfaced since his minority ownership was approved in 2024. A recent report indicated that Brady is perceived by Davis as a de facto leader in football matters for the Raiders. Spytek acknowledged that he and Brady frequently engage in discussions and disagreements over decisions made by the front office, emphasizing the significant influence Brady holds within the organization.
Critics are questioning whether Brady’s lack of experience in running a football team could be detrimental to the Raiders’ future. A former Raiders personnel executive remarked, “Tom has never run a team. I keep telling people, like Tom has all this influence, but Tom isn’t in the building, and he doesn’t have any experience with this.” The executive highlighted the challenges of having a broadcaster provide input on critical personnel decisions, particularly when those decisions require full-time dedication.
Despite calls for Brady to transition from broadcasting to a more hands-on role with the Raiders, there is currently no indication that he will abandon his lucrative contract with Fox, reportedly worth $375 million over ten years. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has suggested that Brady should consider fully committing to managing the team, but the logistics of such a shift appear complicated.
As the Raiders continue to grapple with their identity and performance, the organization still allows Brady to maintain his roles as both a minority owner and a broadcaster. While he may not be the sole cause of the team’s struggles, the past year has raised questions about his ability to contribute effectively to turning the franchise around.
The coming months will be critical for the Raiders, as they seek to redefine their strategy and leadership. With Brady involved in discussions surrounding the team’s future, the spotlight remains firmly on how his contributions will impact the organization moving forward.
