The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive struggles were under the national spotlight during Monday Night Football, but the biggest talking point wasn’t Geno Smith’s three interceptions in the 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Instead, it was a claim from the broadcast that minority owner Tom Brady has been meeting multiple times a week with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to go over game plans and film.
The report — amplified on social media by NFL insider Ari Meirov — suggested that Brady’s role went far beyond ownership.
“#Raiders OC Chip Kelly consults with Tom Brady multiple times a week to go over the game plan and film, per the broadcast.”
That revelation immediately sparked questions about the extent of Brady’s influence in Las Vegas, particularly given the team’s sluggish start on offense.
Carroll Denies the Report
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On Tuesday, head coach Pete Carroll directly addressed the situation. According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Carroll pushed back on the idea that Brady is meeting with Kelly on such a regular basis.
Carroll told reporters that the suggestion of Brady consulting with Kelly “three or so times a week” is “not accurate.”
While Carroll did not go into detail about the scope of Brady’s input, the denial injects some needed clarity after the broadcast set off widespread speculation.
Broader Concerns About Brady’s Role
Even with Carroll’s rebuttal, the story has added fuel to an ongoing debate about Brady’s unique position in the NFL ecosystem. He is simultaneously a minority owner with the Raiders, a broadcaster, and arguably the greatest quarterback in league history. That combination has created unease around how much influence he might wield.
NBC Sports Boston’s Albert Breer noted that Brady’s involvement could go beyond reviewing film.
“People think of just the strategic stuff, but it goes deeper than that,” Breer posted on X. “You could also gather pertinent detail on players in production meetings to inform free-agent signings and trades. Or figure out who the key ass’t coaches are and try to poach them. Lots of layers to this.”
A Controversy Amid On-Field Struggles
The timing of the controversy only heightens its impact. The Raiders have scored just one touchdown across their first two games, and their offense has looked stagnant under Kelly’s guidance. Smith’s turnovers against the Chargers underscored the team’s issues finishing drives and sustaining momentum.
At 1-1, Las Vegas still has time to steady its season. But the public conversation around Brady’s role — whether overstated or not — reflects the pressure on Carroll and Kelly to fix the offense.
What Comes Next
For now, Carroll’s denial may quiet the speculation, but the situation highlights how unusual Brady’s dual role is. As a minority owner with deep football knowledge and active media responsibilities, his presence around the Raiders will continue to draw scrutiny.
If the offense rebounds, the chatter may fade. But if struggles persist, the NFL could face tougher questions about where the line is drawn for owners who bring more than money to the table.