LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Raiders announced they have cut ties with General Manager Mike Mayock.
Mayock had been with the organization for the last three seasons, during which time the team amassed a 25-24 record, including a 10-7 mark this season.
The Raiders season ended Saturday following a 26-19 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
"We thank Mike for his contributions over the last three years in helping to form the foundation for the franchise to build upon in its future," the organization said in a statement.
The organization heads into the preseason looking for a new GM and head coach following Jon Gruden's departure in October due to an email scandal.
They will have to make decisions quickly with the NFL Draft right around the corner on April 28-30. The organization currently holds the No. 22 pick in the first round of the Draft and seven picks overall.
“It’s hard to judge and grade what Mike Mayock did when Jon Gruden had a lot of the power,” said Willie Ramirez, a sportswriter for the Associated Press.
The Raiders are looking for a new GM, but the search is on for a new head coach, as well.
And don’t be surprised if owner Mark Davis shoots for the stars.
“Mark Davis set a plan out there for the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA and that was to go out and arguably get the best name that he could have in Becky Hammon,” said Ramirez. “He got what he wanted for a team that many people think should already have won a WNBA championship. So, he’ll stop at nothing to get a big-name coach that fits in this city.”
The decision to pull the trigger and start making moves so soon is not by mistake.
“There’s like eight teams out there looking for head coaches, three or four looking for GMs,” said Qiant Myers, a radio personality on Raider Nation Radio 920. “So, you don’t want to miss out on the guy that you want because you took too long.”
Raiders draft choices have proven costly, with a lack of depth and a lack of discipline.
“Henry Ruggs for reasons that we know—tragedy—is no longer with the team,” said Myers. “Damon Arnette because of stupidity is no longer with the team. Those are two first-round draft picks from 2020 that are gone. That whole 2020 draft class looks like a shell of itself.”
They agree that Las Vegas is an attraction and stage that will draw a lot of interest as the team shops around.
“We have to see who’s brought in as the head coach,” said Ramirez. “We have to see who’s brought in as the general manager. And from there, we find out which direction this organization’s going. But from a fan standpoint and the fanbase, I think they have a lot to look forward to.”
Ramirez said it would not shock him to see an announcement made on a GM or head coach by the Super Bowl.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders have already asked the process of finding a new GM, asking the New England Patriots for permission to interview director of player personnel Dave Ziegler.
On the coaching front, Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia said Monday that he has spoken to owner Mark Davis and that "there's due process.
"He has to interview some other candidates, as I well know. I'm very respectful of the process, what it’s supposed to look like and how it's supposed to work."
