Shifting Tides: Raiders Navigate Loss of Gerald Alexander to Steelers
The Las Vegas Raiders have been meticulously assembling a formidable leadership team for the upcoming 2025 season. With the acquisition of Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll, the appointment of John Spytek as the new general manager, and the addition of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, coupled with the retention of Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator, the Raiders’ coaching ensemble appears well-rounded and promising as they look ahead to the challenges of the new season.
Raiders’ Defensive Shake-Up
Despite the positive strides made in their coaching staff, the Raiders recently faced a setback with the departure of safety coach Gerald Alexander to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alexander, who spent just one season in Las Vegas, played a pivotal role in the development and success of players like Tre’Von Moehrig and Isaiah Pola-Mao, who are now entering free agency.
A Loss to Overcome
Alexander’s transition shouldn’t come as a complete surprise, considering his prior experience with the Steelers as an assistant defensive backs coach before joining the Raiders. Nevertheless, losing Alexander undoubtedly leaves a void in the Raiders’ coaching lineup, given his significant contributions during the previous season.
Challenges and Uncertainties
The departure of Alexander poses challenges for the Raiders as they recalibrate their offseason strategies. While retaining Graham as the defensive coordinator was a crucial move, the loss of Alexander necessitates finding a replacement swiftly to fortify the defensive coaching structure for the upcoming season.
Impact on Player Performances
Under Alexander’s guidance, both Moehrig and Pola-Mao showcased exceptional performances, achieving career-best statistics. Moehrig recorded 104 total tackles, 10.5 stuffs, and 10 passes defended, while Pola-Mao registered personal bests in total tackles with 89, solo tackles with 57, and contributed five passes defended and one stuff to the team’s defensive efforts.
Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
As Alexander heads back to Pittsburgh, the Raiders face the challenge of potentially losing Moehrig and Pola-Mao to free agency. To maintain their defensive prowess and potentially secure a Top 10 defense in 2025, the Raiders must swiftly address the coaching vacuum left by Alexander’s departure and consider their options for replacing the valuable mentorship he provided to the team’s safeties.
In the quest to sustain their defensive excellence and navigate the aftermath of Alexander’s exit, the Raiders will need to act decisively in reuniting with their key players or scouting for suitable replacements to ensure a competitive edge in the upcoming season.