Draft season has a rhythm in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially hired former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz as their new offensive passing game coordinator, a move first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by the team.
On the surface, it looks like a reunion. Holz spent 10 seasons with the Raiders from 2012 to 2021, serving as an offensive assistant, quality control coach and assistant wide receivers coach.
This time, though, he returns with expanded responsibilities and a résumé shaped by recent quarterback development experience. And that detail matters.
A calculated staff move Before Draft Night
Holz’s recent track record adds important context.
In 2023, he worked with the Jacksonville Jaguars, contributing to a passing offense that ranked ninth in the NFL at 242.7 yards per game, according to official league statistics. That same season, Jacksonville finished 13th in scoring while supporting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Holz then became offensive coordinator of the Titans. In 2025, he worked with former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, who started all 17 games and threw 15 touchdown passes. During his first year in Tennessee, the offense also featured 1,000-yard seasons from running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Now he joins head coach Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko as part of a reshaped Raiders offensive staff.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Fernando Mendoza looms over every decision
All signs point toward Fernando Mendoza being central to that moment.
The former Indiana quarterback is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. In 2025, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, recorded 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, finishing with a 90.3 QBR. He won the Heisman Trophy and was named Offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Major analysts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., have consistently ranked him atop draft boards.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Mendoza addressed the possibility of joining Las Vegas and learning from minority owner Tom Brady, whose ownership stake was approved by the league in 2024.
“That opportunity would be fantastic,” Mendoza said when asked about the possibility of mentorship from the seven-time Super Bowl champion. “I’m all about learning. From day one, I’ve got to absorb as much as I can.”
“I mean, who hasn’t admired Tom Brady?… That opportunity would be fantastic…
Las Vegas struggled near the bottom of the league in passing efficiency last season, making quarterback development and offensive stability clear priorities heading into this draft cycle.
Momentum builds in Las Vegas
The Raiders have not publicly committed to any selection. Mendoza has remained measured, stating, “Whatever team drafts me, I’m extremely grateful.”
Still, the timing of Holz’s hiring suggests preparation rather than coincidence. Reinforcing the passing game staff weeks before draft night reflects an organization positioning itself for a franchise-altering decision.
If Mendoza’s name is called first overall, the structure around him will not be built overnight. It is already taking shape.
Reporting based on official team announcements, NFL Network reporting by Ian Rapoport, NFL statistical data, and publicly available draft analysis from established national outlets including ESPN.
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