The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for a new head coach and general manager is gaining momentum this week. With the Detroit Lions eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday, the Raiders can now meet in person with Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is considered the top candidate for their head coaching position. Simultaneously, the team is interviewing potential general manager candidates.
Thus far, Las Vegas has scheduled interviews with two contenders: Washington Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark and Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted Newmark’s strong connections to Johnson, a significant factor in the GM selection process. Newmark also has ties to Aaron Glenn, another candidate for the Raiders’ head coaching role.
Schefter shared on X (formerly Twitter), “Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year and is said to have a strong relationship with both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.” Fellow ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler also highlighted the potential pairing of Johnson and Newmark, stating it has been quietly monitored by league insiders for the past week.
While Newmark appears to be a leading contender, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal suggests fans should not overlook Spytek. Bonsignore noted that Spytek is a prominent candidate for GM and that hiring him wouldn’t eliminate the possibility of securing Johnson as head coach.
Both Newmark and Spytek bring impressive credentials. Newmark played a key role in rebuilding the Commanders into an NFC contender alongside Adam Peters. Spytek, meanwhile, boasts two Super Bowl rings—one as a scout with the Broncos in 2015 and another as director of player personnel with the Buccaneers in 2020. Since 2023, he has served as Tampa Bay’s assistant GM.
Regardless of the final choice, the Raiders seem poised to make a significant move as they rebuild their leadership team.
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