Full Breakdown
Joe DeCamillis Transitions from South Carolina to Las Vegas Raiders
2/15/2026, 8:01:02 PM
Overview of the Transition
Joe DeCamillis, the special teams coordinator for the South Carolina Gamecocks, is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders in the same capacity. This move marks a return to the NFL for DeCamillis, who has extensive experience in professional football, including two Super Bowl victories.
Career Background
DeCamillis, 60, has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the NFL. He began his coaching journey in 1991 as an assistant special teams coach for the Denver Broncos. Over the years, he has held special teams coaching positions with several teams, including the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and the Los Angeles Rams. His tenure with the Rams included winning a Super Bowl in 2022. DeCamillis also served as a special assistant at the University of Texas in 2023 and was nominated for the Broyles Award in 2025 while at South Carolina.
During his time with the Gamecocks, DeCamillis revamped the special teams unit, mentoring players like Mason Love, who earned Freshman All-SEC honors as a punter, and Max Kelley, who also received accolades as a kickoff specialist. Under his guidance, South Carolina's special teams ranked favorably in various metrics, including net punting and punt return defense.
The Raiders' Special Teams Challenges
The Raiders' special teams unit has faced significant challenges, finishing 31st in the league according to Pro Football Focus. Following a disappointing 2-7 start to the season, the team underwent an in-season coaching change, dismissing former special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. DeCamillis will be tasked with improving this struggling unit under the leadership of new head coach Klint Kubiak, who is the son of former Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, with whom DeCamillis has previously worked.
Official Statements & Responses
The Raiders have not yet issued an official statement regarding DeCamillis's hiring. However, the move has been widely reported and is seen as a strategic decision to bolster the team's special teams performance.
Criticism & Opposition
While the transition has been met with optimism regarding DeCamillis's experience, some critics express concern over the Raiders' ongoing struggles in special teams and question whether a coaching change can yield immediate improvements. The team's recent performance raises doubts about the effectiveness of new leadership.
What's Next
As DeCamillis prepares to officially take over the special teams unit, the Raiders will look for immediate improvements in their performance as they aim to recover from a challenging start to the season. The upcoming games will be critical in assessing the impact of his leadership on the team's special teams strategy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He completely revamped the Gamecocks’ special teams this season, bringing on talents like Mason Love and Max Kelley.” — Source Unspecified
- “Pro Football Focus ranked the Raiders’ special teams a woeful 31st in the league.” — Pro Football Focus Report
