Las Vegas Raiders have made a decisive move in the wake of another disheartening loss that pushed their season record to 2-7, signaling a desperate need for change. After weeks of inconsistency and costly mistakes, the franchise decided to part ways with special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, marking the latest chapter in what has become a turbulent start to their 2025 campaign.
Raiders fire Tom McMahon after special teams collapse
The firing of McMahon came just a day after the Raiders’ third-straight defeat, a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, where special teams errors once again proved costly.
The Raiders’ special teams unit has struggled throughout the season, with multiple missteps contributing directly to their poor record. McMahon, seen as the clear “fall guy” for the unit’s repeated failures, was officially dismissed on Monday morning.
Head coach Pete Carroll released a statement addressing the decision, emphasizing that it was not made lightly but was necessary for the team’s progress.
“Earlier today, we made the tough decision to relieve Tom McMahon of his duties as special teams coordinator,” Carroll said in a statement. “I have a great amount of respect for Tom and the work that he has done in this league, but we have decided to move in a different direction.”
“Derius Swinton II will assume special teams coordinator duties on an interim basis and we are excited to attack the second half of this season with outstanding intent and purpose. We are grateful for Tom and his work here with the Las Vegas Raiders and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Derius Swinton II steps in as interim coordinator
In a swift response to the vacancy, the Raiders promoted Derius Swinton II to interim special teams coordinator. Swinton brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the special teams coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
Although his prior stints were short-lived, Swinton’s familiarity with the Raiders’ current system—having spent three seasons as the assistant special teams coach under McMahon—makes him a natural fit for the interim role.
While Swinton has yet to find consistent success as a lead coordinator, the organization hopes his leadership can spark immediate improvement. Given the Las Vegas Raiders’ close losses and recurring special teams breakdowns, even modest gains in execution could shift momentum in the second half of the season.
Las Vegas Raiders’ struggles extend beyond special teams
Despite the high-profile firing, many believe that the Raiders’ problems run deeper than special teams. The offense has struggled to find rhythm, even with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator, at the helm. With offensive inefficiencies compounding defensive lapses, the coaching shake-up appears to be part of a larger effort to stabilize a sinking season.