Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tom Brady Update Emerges Amid NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 1:30 PM ET

NFL legend Tom Brady is expected to be present at one of the biggest football games of the year.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Brady will attend the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami. The report comes as Brady prepares to call Saturday night's NFL playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

The championship game will feature the Miami Hurricanes against the Indiana Hoosiers. Kickoff is set for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Russini reported that the Las Vegas Raiders have asked several head coaching candidates to meet in Miami during the game. Brady, a minority owner, is expected to be involved in those discussions. The timing reflects how serious the Raiders are about resetting their franchise direction.

The Raiders have asked a few head coaching candidates to meet them in Miami at the national championship game, where Tom Brady is also expected to be.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 17, 2026

Las Vegas is coming off a 3-14 season and a second straight last-place finish in the AFC West. The team fired Pete Carroll after just one year, marking another abrupt coaching change. The Raiders have cycled through three head coaches over the past four seasons in search of stability.

Owner Mark Davis has placed football operations in the hands of general manager John Spytek, working closely with Brady. The goal is long-term structure rather than quick fixes. Brady’s presence in Miami signals his growing influence behind the scenes.

Tom Brady waves at fans at Ford Field in Detroit.Imagn Images

While fans focus on Miami vs. Indiana, NFL circles will watch closely for movement off the field. Meetings during the championship could shape the Raiders’ next era.

For Brady, the night blends football at every level. The spotlight will be on the college football game, but decisions nearby may carry impact in the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: