Surprising reason Josh McDaniels’ coaching future is already determined

Josh McDaniels will likely remain with the Las Vegas Raiders past this season despite the team’s dreadful start. One of the main reasons why is particularly interesting: the team is broke.

On Tuesday’s episode of “Around The Horn” on ESPN, L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke laid out the reasoning as to why McDaniels appears safe beyond this season.

“They are cash poor,” said Plaschke. “I have learned… they don’t have the money to fire him.”

When discussing the team’s current issues, Plaschke argued that with the team under a financial strain, the franchise will turn to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as a scapegoat. The Raiders’ defense is 28th in yards (376.1) and points (25.1) allowed.

Another interesting tidbit emerged at the end of the ATH segment on Las Vegas. Plaschke suggested a reason for the Raiders to stick with McDaniels could be to lure a significant free agent in the offseason.

“What if…McDaniels, he stays. Tom Brady joins him next year in Vegas for a grand finale. Maybe they keep him ’cause they want to get…Brady,” pondered Plaschke.

Carr expressed frustration with the team after its latest loss. With speculation that Carr could be playing his final games as starting QB for the franchise, the Raiders will leave no stone unturned when trying to upgrade the position. Brady certainly fits that requirement. How a team in dire straits financially can afford a QB who could otherwise make $375 million talking about football for Fox Sports instead of playing remains to be seen.

Chances are McDaniels is what his record as a coach (13-24) says he is. There isn’t one change — at either QB or defensive coordinator — that will shift that conversation.