Raiders Rumors: Steve Spagnuolo 'One to Watch' for HC Due to 'Tom Brady's Respect'

As the Las Vegas Raiders continue their search for a new head coach, a candidate who has a history with new partial owner Tom Brady reportedly could have the inside track for the job.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that he's "heard that Tom Brady's respect for Steve Spagnuolo, having competed against him, could make the [Kansas City Chiefs' defensive coordinator] one to watch in Las Vegas."

Before arriving to Kansas City in 2019, Spagnuolo made a name for himself as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants when they toppled Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII in 2007. Brady got his revenge in 2020 when he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers past the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, earning the legendary quarterback his seventh and final championship ring.

Brady, who purchased a five percent stake in the Raiders this season, will be hoping to usher in a new era in Las Vegas. Breer reported on Monday that his influence had already been felt when the team chose to part ways with first-year head coach Antonio Pierce.

"It's been well established that Brady wasn't wild about the way things operated with Antonio Pierce, which is one reason why Pierce isn't there anymore," Breer stated.

Despite Brady's affinity for Spagnuolo, it should be noted that his previous stints as a head coach didn't go very well. Spagnoulo was head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2009 to 2011 and served as interim head coach of the Giants in 2017, compiling a career record of 11-41.