Oakland Raiders

Lore & Background

Founded on January 30, 1960, the Oakland Raiders played their first regular season game on September 11, 1960, as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). They moved to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. They played their last game as a California–based franchise on December 29, 2019. The Raiders played their home games at various venues in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, their home stadium from 1966 to 1981, and later 1995 to 2019. During their tenure in Oakland, the Raiders won 12 Division titles (three AFL West, nine AFC West); four AFL / AFC championships: 1967, 1976, 1980, and 2002; and two Super Bowl championships: 1976 (XI) and 1980 (XV).

Reader's Guide

After the 1962 season, Valley hired Al Davis as head coach and general manager. At 33, he was the youngest person in over 30 years to hold the position of head coach, and the youngest person ever to hold the position of general manager, in professional football. Davis immediately changed the team colors to silver and black. In April 1966, Davis left the Raiders after being named AFL Commissioner. On July 25, 1966, Davis returned as part-owner of the team. He purchased a 10 percent interest in the team for $18,000 and became the team's third general partner—the partner in charge of football operations.

Did You Know?

• The team was originally named the Oakland Señors for nine days in April 1960 before being changed to the Raiders.
• The Raiders' first regular season home game was played at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco on September 11, 1960.
• Al Davis changed the team colors to silver and black after becoming head coach and general manager in 1963.
• The Raiders won their first AFL Championship in 1967, defeating the Houston Oilers 40–7.

Historical Context and Seasonal Stakes

As they embark on their seventh season based in Las Vegas, the organization faces immense pressure to reverse a significant downward trend. Entering this chapter with a 3–14 record from the previous year, the squad aims to secure a playoff berth after four consecutive years of missing out and halt two straight seasons where win totals remained below five. The stakes are elevated by a historic drought; the team is desperate to capture an AFC West division title for the first time in twenty-three years. This season also signifies a major leadership shift, as it will be the first under head coach Klint Kubiak while serving as the second year under general manager John Spytek.

Coaching Turnover and Leadership Overhaul

His staff includes Mike McCoy, a former San Diego Chargers head coach appointed as assistant head coach. On the offensive side, Andrew Janocko was promoted from quarterback coach at Seattle to become the new offensive coordinator. Defensively, Rob Leonard moved up from defensive line and run game coordinator to take over as defensive coordinator, replacing Patrick Graham whose contract was not renewed.

Strategic Personnel Decisions

The front office executed significant personnel changes during the offseason to align with their new coaching vision. A notable departure involved Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, who left the organization after his contract was not renewed to accept a similar role with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This exit necessitated an internal promotion for Rob Leonard, elevating him to defensive coordinator duties. The leadership team also integrated Mike McCoy as assistant head coach, bringing experience from his tenure leading the San Diego Chargers. These moves reflect a deliberate attempt to stabilize the coaching staff after years of instability, aiming to create a cohesive unit capable of guiding the franchise out of its recent struggles and toward divisional contention.

Franchise Instability and Future Outlook

The decision to fire Pete Carroll after a single year underscores the organization's urgency to improve upon their dismal 3–14 performance from 2025. With General Manager John Spytek entering his second year and Klint Kubiak beginning his first, the team hopes this new alignment will finally break the cycle of underachievement. The primary objectives are clear: end a four-year playoff absence, stop the bleeding of losing seasons with fewer than five wins, and restore glory by ending a 23-year title drought in the AFC West.