In the wake of Thursday’s loss, the Raiders announced they fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon.
A blocked punt in the third quarter led to the Broncos’ go-ahead field goal to make it 10-7.
With 4:30 left in the fourth quarter, Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would have tied the game 10-10.
Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season started off with an AFC West tilt in Denver on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ After a game that featured nearly as many first downs (20) as points, the Broncos earned a 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
That three-point margin of victory loomed large for the Raiders, especially with special teams mistakes.
A blocked punt in the third quarter led to the Broncos’ go-ahead field goal to make it 10-7. With 4:30 left in the fourth quarter, Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal that would have tied the game 10-10.
In the wake of that loss, the Raiders announced they fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon.
‘Earlier today, we made the tough decision to relieve Tom McMahon of his duties as special teams coordinator,’ coach Pete Carroll said in a team statement. ‘I have a great amount of respect for Tom and the work that he has done in this league, but we have decided to move in a different direction.
‘Derius Swinton II will assume special teams coordinator duties on an interim basis and we are excited to attack the second half of this season with outstanding intent and purpose. We are grateful for Tom and his work here with the Raiders and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.’
Thursday’s game was the latest in a season of special teams mistakes under McMahon. A blocked field goal against the Chicago Bears in the final minute of regulation ensured a 25-24 Raiders loss. A missed extra point on the Raiders’ first touchdown against Jacksonville made a difference in a 23-23 tie after regulation that became a 30-29 loss in overtime.
Swinton II will become a special teams coordinator for the first time since 2021 with the Los Angeles Chargers under Brandon Staley. A former safety in college, he also held the special teams coordinator position in 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers.
Las Vegas is back home in Week 11 for a ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
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