Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ex-GM Mike Tannenbaum Floats Raiders Pairing of Curt Cignetti With Top Prospect Fernando Mendoza

The concept drew notice because of Tannenbaum’s search credentials, with contract hurdles and NFL transition risks keeping expectations modest.

Overview

  • Mike Tannenbaum suggested on The Dan Patrick Show that Las Vegas could draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and hire Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti as a tandem.
  • Coverage emphasized that his remarks were speculative and not a report of an active plan by the Raiders.
  • Las Vegas owns the No. 1 pick after firing head coach Pete Carroll, and Mendoza is widely projected as the top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Cignetti rapidly elevated Indiana and coached Mendoza to the Heisman Trophy, yet he reportedly carries a multi-year contract with a $15 million buyout.
  • Tannenbaum noted the poor track record of college coaches in the NFL, while his firm’s past consulting on coaching searches explains the attention his idea received.