Why adding Tom Brady was crucial for Raiders owner Mark Davis

The Las Vegas Raiders haven't had stability in their organization for many seasons.

That's led to poor performances on the field, including this past year when the Raiders finished 4-13. That didn't sit well with Raiders owner Mark Davis, who named Pete Carroll the head coach after dismissing Antonio Pierce following the poor 2024 campaign.

It was the organization's fourth coaching change since 2021.

Additionally, Davis had been working hard for the past four seasons to persuade future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady to join Las Vegas as a minority owner. That finally happened when NFL owners approved his addition in October 2024.

Davis opened up about what it means to have Brady aboard in a sit-down interview with Vinny Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal at the NFL owners' meetings in Minnesota.

"That’s why the changes were made," Davis said. "And it was a battle to get it done. Bring in that expertise and that confidence that we’re talking about. I think it started there. And obviously, the other additions that were made, and then getting someone like (offensive coordinator) Chip Kelly. And I said, OK, there’s some stability here, we’re building something. There is a vision, and Tom does have vision. I don’t think there’s anybody more competitive, that I know of, than Tom Brady.”

Davis didn't elaborate on Brady's role, but in a report Monday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated explained what Brady told Carroll and Raiders general manager John Spytek following the 2024 season. 

Nevertheless, it is no wonder Davis mentioned Kelly, who was brought in to help quarterback Geno Smith and his supporting cast into a high-powered offense after finishing 26th in yards per game last season. Brady reportedly signed off on bringing in Smith, and the hope is that Smith can continue his success with the Seattle Seahawks and turn around the Raiders' offense, which lacked touchdowns (30, tied for 31st).

Davis admits his mistakes in telling Bonsignore, "I haven't got it right." By bringing influential people to the organization, such as Brady, he can only hope the 2025 season will see progress rather than regression.