Report: Raiders to Make Bold Decision at Quarterback After Josh McDaniels Firing

After axing coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler early Wednesday morning, the Raiders are reportedly making another substantial organizational change.

Las Vegas is naming rookie Aidan O'Connell its starting quarterback going forward, according to Wednesday morning reports from Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

O'Connell, 25, has thrown one touchdown against two interceptions in two games this season. The Raiders picked him in the fourth round of April's NFL draft out of Purdue, for which he played four years and threw for 9,219 yards. 

Per Garafolo and Rapoport, O’Connell’s new role will result in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo moving to the bench. Garoppolo started six games for Las Vegas this season, including the Raiders’ 26–14 loss to the Lions Monday evening; his nine interceptions lead the league.

The #Raiders are moving forward with Aidan O’Connell as their starting QB, source says. Another one of the sweeping changes for Vegas. pic.twitter.com/u4WRqNrgqJ

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 1, 2023

Another major move in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are expected to start rookie QB Aidan O'Connell this week and going forward, with Jimmy Garoppolo going to the bench. The promising O’Connell now gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/2lN5Aey5X8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2023

Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, friction over the state of the team’s quarterback job contributed to the Las Vegas regime’s dismissal. 

The Raiders are currently 3–5, tied with the Broncos for last in the AFC West. Barring unforeseen circumstances, O’Connell’s first game as Las Vegas’s full-time starter will seemingly take place Sunday against the Giants.