Raiders Rumors: Rich Bisaccia May Be Headed To The Bears
Rich Bisaccia, Raiders
Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Rich Bisaccia reacts against the Cincinnati Bengalsin the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Rich Bisaccia remains a candidate to become the team’s permanent head coach after leading the team to a playoff appearance despite numerous off-field issues that could have completely submarined the team. But if the Raiders choose to go in another direction, Bisaccia seems to already have other options.

Before taking over the Raiders, Bisaccia had long been one of the most well-respected special teams coaches in the NFL, and with new coaches taking over other franchises, they are looking to fill out their coaching staffs. One of the newest head coaches is Matt Eberflus, who is taking over the Chicago Bears after serving as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, and he has his eye on Bisaccia for his staff.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Eberflus hopes to hire Bisaccia to take over his special teams in Chicago:

League sources indicate Eberflus hopes to hire Rich Bisaccia, who finished this season as the interim coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after Jon Gruden stepped down. Bisaccia has been special teams coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, with whom he was on the same staff as Eberflus.

The Raiders have interviewed Bisaccia for the head-coaching position, but he will be available if he’s not selected. Several outlets are reporting that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be the front-runner for the job.

Bisaccia’s work on special teams is well known, so a first-time head coach looking to him to potentially take over that area makes a ton of sense. Additionally, as was noted, Bisaccia and Eberflus are familiar with each other from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys from 2013 to 2017.

That familiarity with each other could be what leans Bisaccia to Chicago should he not wind up with the Raiders job, and he is facing a lot of competition for that. The latest big name to be rumored for the Raiders is Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels who is expected to interview for the job soon.

The Raiders have also interviewed Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and are expected to interview Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.