Former NFL head coach of a bitter rival says what needs to be said about the Las Vegas Raiders heading into 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders are headed in the right direction, but it’s going to take some time to get there.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Las Vegas Raiders rookie Malik Benson minicamp 2026
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) runs through a drill during a Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Candice Ward-Imagn Images

It has been over 20 years since the Las Vegas Raiders last won a playoff game. And yet, this franchise still has an aura and glow about it that you just don’t see often from a team that’s been extremely, extremely bad.

“Once a Raider, Always a Raider” is a saying that stands the test of time. The alumni situation is better than any in the entire league, and of course, the move to Vegas, with the facilities they have helped build, too. This team continues to lose but grows in worth. Could you imagine how crazy it would be if they were winning? This is why it’s a good thing they are getting things on track—the NFL is better when the Raiders are better, and even former coaches of rival teams think the same.

Herm Edwards talks about the Raiders being relevant

“The Raiders need to be relevant in the National Football League. It’s like anything in sports, in life. The Raiders are the bully,” former NFL head coach Herm Edwards said on Good Morning Football. “They have a patch over their eye. When they used to come into your town, you would go hide and lock the doors. The Raiders are coming. So they need to be relevant.”

Edwards used to coach the Kansas City Chiefs and hated the Raiders with every fiber of his being. His saying that and using those kinds of words mean a lot for how the Raiders should be viewed. And, he’s not wrong, the NFL needs that bully, those guys that are genuinely scary on the field.

Herm Edwards’ coaching history

  • New York Jets (2001-2005)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (2006-2008)
  • Arizona State Sun Devils (2018-2022)

The Raiders hired an offensive coach, but I think the defense can still be that. Look at the moves they made—the linebacker core is going to be hard-hitting, fast, and relentless. They made moves to the defensive line and secondary, too. This team could be scary in a few years on that side of the ball.

Then, on offense, they could be the epitome of a bully. They’re going to run the ball. They’re going to wear defenses down. And, they’re going to have two RBs to do it. This team is on the right path to getting exactly to where Edwards is talking about.

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