The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in the spotlight, holding the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, their journey to this position has been tumultuous, marked by the dismissal of head coach Pete Carroll after just a single season. Despite the promise that Carroll’s tenure initially held, the team’s performance fell short, ending with a disappointing 3-14 record.

Carroll’s beginning with the Raiders was auspicious, securing a road victory against the New England Patriots, a team that emerged as one of the AFC’s powerhouses. Yet, that early triumph proved to be a fleeting moment of success. The Raiders spiraled thereafter, suffering 14 losses in their subsequent 15 games. The season concluded on a positive note with a nail-biting win over the Kansas City Chiefs, clinched by Daniel Carlson’s dramatic 60-yard field goal in the final seconds.

Despite having two years left on his contract, Carroll’s departure means the Raiders are on the hook for a hefty buyout of $16 million for the upcoming season. This financial obligation adds to a staggering $50 million the team will pay to five different coaches, none of whom are currently leading the Raiders.

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Among the financial commitments, the Raiders are still tied to Jon Gruden, owing him $10 million annually. Gruden, who returned to coaching after nearly a decade in broadcasting, had initially led the Raiders from 1998 to 2001. His comeback in 2018 was marked by a massive 10-year, $100 million contract, one of the most lucrative ever given to an NFL coach. However, Gruden’s tenure ended abruptly when he resigned on October 11, 2021, following a league investigation into the Washington Football Team. This probe unveiled a series of offensive emails sent by Gruden to former Washington general manager Bruce Allen, containing racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks. Despite his departure, the financial ramifications of his long-term contract continue to impact the Raiders’ budget.

Jon Gruden, $10 million

Jon Gruden had spent nearly a decade in the broadcast booth before returning to the sidelines for the Raiders. He had previously coached the team from 1998 to 2001, and his 10-year, $100 million contract in 2018 is one of the largest a coach has ever received. Gruden ultimately resigned on October 11, 2021 after a league investigation into the Washington Football Team (who were later renamed to the Commanders) uncovered several emails Gruden had sent to then Washington general manager Bruce Allen that used racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language. Since he had signed such a long contract, the Raiders are still paying him $10 million annually.

Josh McDaniels, $10 million

Josh McDaniels took over as the Raiders head coach early in 2022, signing a six-year deal. His first season ended with a 6-11 record, with Las Vegas dropping several close games. His second season didn’t start off much better; the Raiders began 3-5. McDaniels was fired on Halloween night in 2023. He joined the Patriots for the 2025 season, his third stint in New England. He’s had solid success as the offensive coordinator, so he’ll be earning money from both the Patriots and Raiders, who will pay McDaniels about $10 million per season until his contract ends.

Antonio Pierce, $8 million

After McDaniels was fired, Antonio Pierce became the interim coach during the 2023 season. He won his first game 30-6 against the New York Giants. Coincidentally, the Giants had the second-worst record this past season. Pierce finished that interim season with a 5-4 record, and the Raiders officially named him the coach in January 2024. He made it less than a year in charge, however, as the Raiders went 4-13 and Pierce was shown the door. Nevertheless, he’ll make $8 million next season.

Chip Kelly, $6 million

Las Vegas fired Chip Kelly in November 2025, just 11 games into the season. He was in the first of a three-year deal worth $18 million. Coordinator contracts are typically guaranteed, so he’ll receive $6 million next season and $6 million in 2027.

Raiders owner Mark Davis is now on the hunt for the next coach of the team. At least he isn’t shy about spending money.