Posted on Nov 07

Raiders fire ST coordinator McMahon after special teams struggles; Swinton named interim coordinator

Posted Nov 7, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders have fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon following a disappointing season marked by significant struggles in the unit.

Why it matters: The decision to part ways with McMahon comes after the Raiders' lackluster performance in various special teams situations, which has contributed to their 2-7 record this season.

A series of costly mistakes, including blocked punts and missed field goals, has raised concerns about the overall effectiveness of the special teams unit.
With the team's playoff hopes dwindling, this change signals a need for revitalization as they look to salvage their season.

What’s new: The Raiders announced that Derius Swinton II, previously an assistant special teams coach, will take over as the interim special teams coordinator.

This transition follows the Raiders' narrow 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which a blocked punt by AJ Cole significantly impacted the game's outcome.
McMahon had been with the Raiders for four seasons but faced mounting criticism due to repeated failures on special teams.

By the numbers: The statistics paint a stark picture of the Raiders' special teams shortcomings this season.

The team ranks 28th in the NFL in both field goal percentage and average yards per punt (44.3).
Daniel Carlson, the Raiders' kicker, has experienced a downturn in performance, converting only 75% of his attempts—his lowest rate since 2019.

Between the lines: The firing of McMahon reflects broader issues within the Raiders’ organization as players like Carlson and Cole struggle to perform at a high level.

Carlson not only missed a crucial 48-yard field goal against the Broncos but also failed to convert an extra point in a previous game, leading to a heartbreaking overtime loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Meanwhile, the special teams unit allowed a 90-yard punt return touchdown earlier in the season, underscoring systemic issues that needed addressing.

What to watch: As Swinton takes over, fans and analysts will be keen to observe any immediate changes in strategy or execution on special teams.

The interim coordinator will need to instill confidence in a team that has lost crucial yardage in tight games due to special teams errors.
Improvement in special teams could provide the Raiders with a much-needed boost in upcoming games, potentially aiding them in turning around their season.

The bottom line: The Raiders are in desperate need of a turnaround, and the decision to fire McMahon signals their commitment to addressing the issues plaguing the special teams.

How effectively Swinton can revitalize the unit will be crucial as the Raiders navigate the remainder of a challenging season.
Coach Pete Carroll's comments highlight that this move was long overdue, emphasizing the importance of special teams performance in achieving overall success.

Raiders fire ST coordinator McMahon after special teams struggles; Swinton named interim coordinator

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 7, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders have fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon following a disappointing season marked by significant struggles in the unit.

Why it matters: The decision to part ways with McMahon comes after the Raiders' lackluster performance in various special teams situations, which has contributed to their 2-7 record this season.

A series of costly mistakes, including blocked punts and missed field goals, has raised concerns about the overall effectiveness of the special teams unit.

With the team's playoff hopes dwindling, this change signals a need for revitalization as they look to salvage their season.

What’s new: The Raiders announced that Derius Swinton II, previously an assistant special teams coach, will take over as the interim special teams coordinator.

This transition follows the Raiders' narrow 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which a blocked punt by AJ Cole significantly impacted the game's outcome.

McMahon had been with the Raiders for four seasons but faced mounting criticism due to repeated failures on special teams.

By the numbers: The statistics paint a stark picture of the Raiders' special teams shortcomings this season.

The team ranks 28th in the NFL in both field goal percentage and average yards per punt (44.3).

Daniel Carlson, the Raiders' kicker, has experienced a downturn in performance, converting only 75% of his attempts—his lowest rate since 2019.

Between the lines: The firing of McMahon reflects broader issues within the Raiders’ organization as players like Carlson and Cole struggle to perform at a high level.

Carlson not only missed a crucial 48-yard field goal against the Broncos but also failed to convert an extra point in a previous game, leading to a heartbreaking overtime loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Meanwhile, the special teams unit allowed a 90-yard punt return touchdown earlier in the season, underscoring systemic issues that needed addressing.

What to watch: As Swinton takes over, fans and analysts will be keen to observe any immediate changes in strategy or execution on special teams.

The interim coordinator will need to instill confidence in a team that has lost crucial yardage in tight games due to special teams errors.

Improvement in special teams could provide the Raiders with a much-needed boost in upcoming games, potentially aiding them in turning around their season.

The bottom line: The Raiders are in desperate need of a turnaround, and the decision to fire McMahon signals their commitment to addressing the issues plaguing the special teams.

How effectively Swinton can revitalize the unit will be crucial as the Raiders navigate the remainder of a challenging season.

Coach Pete Carroll's comments highlight that this move was long overdue, emphasizing the importance of special teams performance in achieving overall success.