Raiders fire special teams coordinator Tom McMahon after nasty loss to Broncos on TNF
The Las Vegas Raiders are shaking up their coaching staff midseason: The team announced Friday that they have fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, one day after an ugly loss to the Denver Broncos on "Thursday Night Football."
"Earlier today, we made the tough decision to relieve Tom McMahon of his duties as special teams coordinator. I have a great amount of respect for Tom and the work that he has done in this league, but we have decided to move in a different direction," Raiders head coach Pete Carroll wrote in a statement released by the team. "We are grateful for Tom and his work here with the Raiders and wish him nothing but the best moving forward."
In the statement, Carroll confirmed that Derius Swinton II, the team's assistant special teams coach, will take over as interim special teams coordinator.
"We are excited to attack the second half of this season with outstanding intent and purpose," Carroll wrote.
- Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 7, 2025
It's unclear why McMahon specifically was let go, though NFL Network reports that McMahon and Carroll were seen having an exchange on the sideline during the loss.
The three-point loss was one of the worst losses yet for the Raiders, who fall to 2-7. Denver's defense completely smothered Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith, with Smith taking six sacks throughout the game, including five in the first half. The Raiders' offense was so futile that the team at one point went seven consecutive possessions without a first down - the most this season, per the broadcast.
The special teams play wasn't particularly impressive, either. Punter AJ Cole had a stellar night, getting plenty of practice, downing two punts within the 2-yard line. But their returns didn't lead anywhere: receiver Alex Bachman had three punt returns for the Raiders, but gained less than a yard in total. And Daniel Carlson missed the Raiders' only field-goal attempt - a 48-yard, potentially game-tying attempt late in the fourth quarter - in a game battered by high winds.
After the Thursday night matchup, Carroll will have a little bit of time to regroup. The Raiders' next game will be against the Dallas Cowboys on "Monday Night Football" in Week 11.