Breaking News: Former Atlanta Falcons Mike Smith announced his official visit to Las Vegas Raiders as assistant general manager after Raiders decision
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Breaking News: Former Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith Visits Las Vegas Raiders for Assistant GM Role
Las Vegas, NV – August 23, 2025
In a development that’s turning heads across the NFL landscape, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith has officially visited the Las Vegas Raiders to discuss a high-level front office role — Assistant General Manager — sources close to the organization confirmed Saturday afternoon.
Smith, who hasn’t held a front-office position since his coaching days, arrived in Las Vegas early Friday morning and was seen entering Raiders headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, where he reportedly met with Raiders GM John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. The meeting follows what insiders describe as “a strong internal push” to bring in experienced football minds to support the team’s evolving leadership structure.
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Smith’s Surprising Return to the NFL
Mike Smith, 66, last coached in the NFL as defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. He’s best known for his successful tenure as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach from 2008 to 2014, where he led the team to five consecutive winning seasons and an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2012. Smith compiled a 66–46 record with the Falcons — still the most wins by a head coach in franchise history.
Since stepping away from coaching, Smith has kept a relatively low profile, making occasional media appearances and serving as a consultant for various college football programs. His potential return to the league, especially in a front-office role, was unexpected but may signal a new chapter in both his career and the Raiders’ executive structure.
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Why the Raiders Are Interested in Smith
With the hiring of John Spytek as general manager earlier this year and Pete Carroll as head coach, the Raiders are focused on building an infrastructure rooted in experience, discipline, and proven success.
A source within the organization said:
> “Pete [Carroll] has always valued old-school football knowledge balanced with modern adaptability. Bringing someone like Mike Smith on board — someone who’s led locker rooms, built playoff teams, and understands player development — would be an asset as this franchise retools.”
Spytek, who spent years building Super Bowl-caliber rosters in Tampa Bay, is reportedly open to working alongside a seasoned football executive like Smith, especially in areas like:
Scouting and evaluation
Player development strategy
Free agency and draft planning
Coaching-staff collaboration
Smith, despite not working as a general manager before, is known for his collaborative approach with front offices during his Falcons days — notably working hand-in-hand with then-GM Thomas Dimitroff to draft talents like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.
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An Evolving Raiders Front Office
The Raiders have made a clear pivot toward experience and structure following a few chaotic seasons marred by coaching turnover and leadership instability. Since parting ways with former head coach Josh McDaniels in 2023 and cycling through several interim leadership options, the franchise has focused on restoring order and building long-term credibility.
The hiring of Carroll, one of only three active Super Bowl–winning head coaches, was a clear signal of intent. Adding Smith into the mix would create one of the most experienced leadership trios in the NFL:
Pete Carroll – Super Bowl–winning head coach and master team-builder.
John Spytek – Proven personnel evaluator with championship pedigree in Tampa.
Mike Smith – Veteran head coach with a defensive and leadership background.
Sources suggest the Assistant GM role for Smith would be advisory and strategic, allowing Spytek to retain roster control while utilizing Smith’s insights on coaching, locker room dynamics, and defensive talent scouting.
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What This Means for the Raiders in 2025
If finalized, Mike Smith’s appointment would signal a more collaborative front-office model, similar to setups seen in places like San Francisco and Baltimore — where former coaches or team architects help guide personnel decisions.
Here are a few areas where Smith’s presence could be felt immediately:
1. Defensive Development
With the Raiders rebuilding key areas of their defense — particularly along the interior line — Smith’s background in defensive schemes could aid in identifying talent that fits Pete Carroll’s system.
2. Veteran Evaluation
Smith has years of experience coaching and evaluating veterans, which could be critical as the Raiders continue to add experienced depth to support their youthful core.
3. Draft Collaboration
Spytek has been praised for his drafting skills, but Smith’s eye for toughness and team leadership could enhance decision-making when evaluating intangibles — especially in mid-to-late rounds.
4. Culture Building
Smith is known as a culture-first leader — disciplined but approachable — echoing Carroll’s own values. Together, they could help establish a more stable, player-friendly environment.
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Smith Speaks Briefly
Though not yet confirmed in the role, Smith spoke briefly outside the Raiders’ facility:
> “It’s always exciting to reconnect with the game. The Raiders have great energy right now. I respect what Coach Carroll and John [Spytek] are building here. We’ll see what happens.”
That cryptic but optimistic tone suggests serious consideration is underway.
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NFL Reactions Begin to Swirl
NFL insiders are already buzzing about what this move could mean for the league. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick tweeted:
> “If Mike Smith joins the Raiders front office, that’s a big win. No ego, just experience and football IQ.”
Other observers note the trend of former coaches moving into front-office roles — pointing to John Fox (Colts) and Doug Marrone’s analyst role with Alabama as signs the coaching-to-executive pipeline is gaining traction.
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Looking Ahead
It’s unclear when the Raiders will make an official announcement, but sources expect a final decision within the next 7 to 10 days. If hired, Smith would begin duties immediately, helping finalize the team’s 53-man roster and collaborating with scouts ahead of the midseason trade window.
For a team trying to regain footing in the competitive AFC West — and aiming to take a leap in 2025 — the addition of Mike Smith could be a crucial off-the-field signing.
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Quick Summary: Mike Smith’s Raiders Visit
Detail Info
Name Mike Smith
Previous Role Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (2008–14)
New Role (Pending) Assistant General Manager, Raiders
Date of Visit August 23, 2025
Met With Pete Carroll, John Spytek
Role Focus Advisory, player evaluation, strategy
Official Deal? Not yet finalized
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Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Raiders continue building a brain trust that could reshape the franchise’s future.
