Raiders Fire Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon After Struggles

The Las Vegas Raiders have terminated the contract of special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, according to an announcement made by head coach Pete Carroll on Friday. This decision follows a series of underwhelming performances by the special teams unit, particularly highlighted by a critical mishap during a recent 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.

In that game, a punt attempt from deep within the Raiders’ territory was blocked by Broncos safety JL Skinner. The Broncos recovered the ball and subsequently converted a field goal that would ultimately secure their victory. The Raiders had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard attempt. Carlson’s performance has been notably inconsistent, as he has converted only 75% of his field goal attempts this season, the lowest rate since 2019.

The Raiders’ current season record stands at 2-7, and special teams errors have been a persistent issue. Carlson previously missed an extra point in the second quarter of a 30-29 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9. The problems extended to other games as well; during a 40-6 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts, the team suffered a blocked punt that led to an injury for punter AJ Cole. Additionally, Carlson’s go-ahead field goal attempt was blocked in a Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, and the Raiders allowed a 90-yard punt return touchdown to Jaylin Lane of the Washington Commanders in Week 3.

Overall, the Raiders rank 28th in field goal percentage and yards per punt, averaging just 44.3 yards. McMahon, who has been with the Raiders for four seasons, had previously overseen a special teams unit that ranked fifth in yards per kickoff return, with Cole achieving a remarkable 17 punts of over 60 yards in the 2024 season—an accomplishment that set a franchise record.

Following McMahon’s departure, assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II has been appointed as the interim special teams coordinator. This transition comes as the Raiders seek to address ongoing issues within their special teams unit and improve their performance on the field.

Before joining the Raiders, McMahon held similar positions with teams including the Broncos from 2018 to 2021, the Indianapolis Colts from 2013 to 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, and the Los Angeles Rams from 2009 to 2011. His extensive experience in the NFL will be missed, but the Raiders are now focused on turning their season around with new leadership in the special teams department.