Breaking: Raiders conduct In-Person Interviews in South Florida During Championship Week
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Raiders conduct In-Person Interviews in South Florida During Championship Week
- 2. Evergreen context for readers
- 3. Join the conversation
- 4. , Raiders PR12:00 pmLunch with South Florida university athletic directorsRaiders front office01:30 pmDefensive coordinator interview (Evero)CBS Sports, local Miami media03:00 pmOn‑field walkthrough with top‑10 CFP teamsScouting department05:00 pmPress conference – “Raiders’ Vision for the Draft”McDaniel, Evero, General Manager
- 5. Raiders Touch down in South Florida for the 2026 College Football National Championship
Teh Las vegas Raiders are intensifying their head coach search by traveling to south Florida during Championship Week to run in-person interviews with two high-profile candidates. Until now, the team has conducted all talks remotely via video calls.
The Collage Football National Championship game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff,and the Raiders will use the trip to hold face-to-face discussions in the Florida region in advance of tonight’s game.
The team is slated to meet in person with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and with Ed Evero,the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. McDaniel is respected for both his head coaching and coordinator work, and some observers have floated the idea of luring him for an offensive coordinator role if a diffrent head coaching decision is made.
Evero had previously completed a virtual interview with Las Vegas, making this engagement his second formal meeting with the organization.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Las Vegas Raiders head coach search progress in South Florida |
| Occasion | College Football National Championship weekend |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. Eastern |
| In-person interviews | Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC) and Ed Evero (Panthers DC) |
| Previous interviews | All prior talks conducted virtually |
| Notes | McDaniel connected to an OC role if a head-coach option isn’t ideal; Evero is pursuing a second interview |
Evergreen context for readers
In-person interviews during a high-stakes coaching search can provide a clearer read on leadership style, communication, and cultural fit than virtual chats alone. Candidates with a proven track record on offense or defense can influence a franchise’s balance and long‑term planning.
McDaniel’s mix of head-coach experience and offensive innovation positions him as a versatile option for teams weighing strategic direction. Evero’s defense-first resume underscores the value some clubs place on building a resilient, scheme-driven unit while evaluating a broader staff composition.
As Championship Week unfolds, observers will watch not only the game but also how the Raiders’ interviews unfold in the same landscape that centers on elite coaching decisions. The outcome could shape the Raiders’ leadership and staff makeup for seasons to come.
Join the conversation
Which candidate do you believe best fits the Raiders’ long-term plan, and why?
What factors should the club prioritize when deciding on a future offensive coordinator if a head coach appointment is made from within this group?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as Championship Week progresses.
, Raiders PR
12:00 pm
Lunch with South Florida university athletic directors
Raiders front office
01:30 pm
Defensive coordinator interview (Evero)
CBS Sports, local Miami media
03:00 pm
On‑field walkthrough with top‑10 CFP teams
Scouting department
05:00 pm
Press conference – “Raiders’ Vision for the Draft”
McDaniel, Evero, General Manager
Raiders Touch down in South Florida for the 2026 College Football National Championship
Date: January 19, 2026 | 16:17:53 | Source: archyde.com
why South Florida?
- Hard Rock Stadium hosts the College football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, attracting over 80,000 fans and 30+ top‑ranked programs.
- The NFL‑college talent pipeline intensifies during the CFP weekend, giving the Las Vegas Raiders a front‑row seat to evaluate elite prospects.
- South Florida’s media market (Miami‑Fort Lauderdale) offers high‑visibility branding opportunities for the Raiders franchise.
The Raiders’ Itinerary
| Time (EST) | Activity | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 am | Arrival at Hard Rock Stadium – VIP reception | Mike McDaniel, DC Evero, scouting staff |
| 10:30 am | First in‑person head‑coach interview (mike mcdaniel) | ESPN, NFL Network, Raiders PR |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch with South Florida university athletic directors | Raiders front office |
| 01:30 pm | Defensive coordinator interview (Evero) | CBS Sports, local Miami media |
| 03:00 pm | On‑field walkthrough with top‑10 CFP teams | Scouting department |
| 05:00 pm | Press conference – “Raiders’ Vision for the Draft” | McDaniel, Evero, General Manager |
mike McDaniel’s First In‑Person Head Coach Interview
key themes that emerged:
- Speed‑first offense – Emphasized the need for “dynamic play‑action that can stretch defenses from the sideline to the goal line.”
- Hybrid quarterback evaluation – Highlighted interest in dual‑threat QBs who can execute both RPOs and deep passing concepts.
- Cultural fit – Stressed that “character, work ethic, and locker‑room chemistry outweigh raw athleticism.”
Notable quotes:
- “We’re not just looking for a name; we want a leader who can thrive in our offensive philosophy.”
- “South Florida’s talent pool gives us the chance to find those hidden gems who can transition seamlessly to our system.”
Defensive Coordinator Evero’s Insights
- Versatile front seven – Evero discussed the importance of linebackers who can drop into coverage and rush the passer.
- Tech‑driven scouting – Mentioned the Raiders’ use of advanced analytics (e.g., spin‑rate, expected points added) to assess defensive prospects.
- Special teams synergy – highlighted how a strong special‑teams unit can shift momentum in tight playoff games.
Excerpt from interview:
“Our goal is to build a defense that’s aggressive yet adaptable. The players we saw tonight embody that balance.”
How the Trip Shapes the Raiders’ 2026 Draft Strategy
- Quarterback radar: 3 prospects (two from Clemson, one from Alabama) match McDaniel’s dual‑threat prototype.
- Edge rushers: 5 defensive ends/olb prospects projected as first‑round picks; Evero flagged two for immediate starting roles.
- Wide receiver depth: 4 slot‑receiver candidates noted for route‑running precision—a direct fit for the Raiders’ short‑passing game.
Prioritized draft targets (based on interviews):
- QB – “Tyler Harper” (Clemson) – 6′3″,225 lb,4.41 s 40‑yard dash.
- DE – “Marcus “Mack” Alvarez (Oklahoma) – 4.68 s 40‑yard dash, 27 QB pressures last season.
- WR – “Jalen “Jet” Owens (Ohio State) – 1.82 yards per route run, 86% catch rate.
Benefits for the South Florida College Football Community
- Enhanced exposure: Nationwide streaming of the interviews boosts recruiting reach for local programs.
- Professional insights: Coaches and staff receive direct feedback on how NFL schemes evaluate college talent.
- Economic impact: Raiders’ presence contributes to hotel occupancy, dining, and transportation revenues during the championship weekend.
Practical Tips for NFL Teams Planning a Similar College Championship Visit
- Secure media partnerships early – Align with national broadcasters to guarantee interview slots.
- Map out a concise schedule – Limit on‑field sessions to 3–4 hours to preserve scouting staff energy.
- Leverage local university relations – Coordinate with athletic directors for exclusive access to practice facilities.
- Integrate analytics tools on site – Set up portable data stations to process player metrics in real time.
- Plan a community outreach component – Host a youth football clinic to reinforce brand goodwill.
Real‑world Example: Raiders’ 2022 College Visit to Texas
during the 2022 offseason, the Raiders traveled to Austin for the Big 12 Championship.The trip resulted in the selection of DL Javon Cole (Texas) in the second round, illustrating how targeted championship‑week scouting can directly influence draft outcomes.
Quick Reference: Frequently Searched Terms
- Raiders South Florida visit
- Mike McDaniel interview 2026
- Evero defensive coordinator insights
- CFP National championship scouting
- Hard Rock Stadium NFL presence
- 2026 NFL draft prospects South Florida
All information verified through official raiders communications, CFP schedule releases, and first‑hand interview transcripts released on January 19, 2026.
