ESPN REPORT:Former Raiders HC Josh McDaniels Awaits His Old Team In Week 1…
As the NFL schedule for the upcoming season was unveiled, one of the more intriguing matchups set for Week 1 features former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels facing off against his old squad. In a storyline that’s bound to spark interest among fans and analysts alike, McDaniels—now in a different role and location—will get an immediate opportunity to see his former players up close, this time from the opposing sideline.
The drama is undeniable. McDaniels, who was fired midseason by the Raiders in 2023 after a turbulent tenure filled with controversy and underwhelming results, now finds himself part of another team’s coaching staff. Though he has returned to a familiar environment—reportedly reassuming a position on the New England Patriots’ offensive staff—it’s Week 1’s clash with the Raiders that has many football fans marking their calendars.
While the NFL is no stranger to reunion-style narratives, this one carries extra weight given McDaniels’ rocky history with the Raiders. During his time as head coach in Las Vegas, the team struggled to find consistency, often hampered by poor offensive production and questionable in-game decisions. His stint ended after less than two full seasons, capped by internal dysfunction and mounting pressure from both the media and fans.
Fast forward to now, McDaniels is back in a more familiar and arguably more comfortable role, away from the high-pressure spotlight of being a head coach. And though he may not have the final say on game plans or play calls this time, you can bet he’s circled this matchup as a personal benchmark.
For the Raiders, this matchup also carries symbolic weight. With a new coaching regime in place and a renewed sense of direction, the franchise will look to make a statement in their season opener. Beating the man who was once tasked with turning the organization around—only to be dismissed for falling short—would offer a form of catharsis for both the team and its fanbase.
There’s also strategic intrigue involved. McDaniels knows the strengths and weaknesses of many players on the Raiders roster. That insider knowledge could prove valuable in game planning, especially early in the season when teams are still ironing out their identities.
The NFL thrives on stories like these. Week 1 already brings plenty of anticipation simply by being the start of a new journey. Add in a narrative filled with personal redemption, unfinished business, and a hint of rivalry, and you’ve got the makings of a can’t-miss matchup.
While it’s unclear how much say McDaniels will have in the final game strategy, his presence alone adds a unique layer to the contest. Whether he’s quietly focused on execution or mentally revisiting what could have been in Las Vegas, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on this Week 1 game as Josh McDaniels awaits his old team.
The NFL schedule makers couldn’t have drawn it up better.
