What Is 2019 Las Vegas Raiders season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Las Vegas Raiders season was actually played in Oakland, as the team did not move to Las Vegas until 2020. They finished with a 7-9 record under head coach Jon Gruden, failing to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Key Facts

Team played home games in Oakland Coliseum, not Las Vegas
Final record: 7 wins, 9 losses
Head coach: Jon Gruden
Season marked final year in Oakland before relocation
Derek Carr threw for 3,878 yards and 21 touchdowns

Overview

The 2019 season is often mistakenly referred to as the Las Vegas Raiders season, but the team still played all home games at the Oakland Coliseum. The relocation to Las Vegas was officially approved in 2017 but did not take effect until the 2020 season.

This transitional year saw the Raiders remain competitive under head coach Jon Gruden, who was in his second season after returning to the sidelines. Despite improvements on offense, the team failed to reach the postseason for the third straight year.

Home games: All 8 home games were played at the Oakland Coliseum, with no games held in Las Vegas during the 2019 season.
Final record: The Raiders finished 7-9, a slight improvement from their 4-12 record in 2018, but still missed the playoffs.
Quarterback performance:Derek Carr threw for 3,878 yards and 21 touchdowns, with only 8 interceptions, marking one of his most efficient seasons.
Key acquisition: The team traded for defensive end Clelin Ferrell with the 4th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, though his rookie impact was limited.
Final Oakland season: This marked the 25th and final season the Raiders played in Oakland before relocating to Las Vegas in 2020.

How It Works

The 2019 Raiders operated under a transitional model, balancing on-field performance with preparations for the Las Vegas move. The front office focused on developing young talent while maintaining competitiveness under Gruden’s leadership.

Offensive scheme: The Raiders ran a West Coast offense with an emphasis on short, timing-based passing, led by quarterback Derek Carr and coordinator Greg Olson.
Defensive strategy: Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther used a 4-3 base defense, struggling at times against the run but showing improvement late in the season.
Rookie impact: First-round pick Josh Jacobs made an immediate impact, rushing for 1,150 yards and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.
Salary cap space: The team carried over $40 million in cap space heading into 2020, positioning them for major free-agent signings in Las Vegas.
Stadium transition: While playing in Oakland, the organization was actively promoting the upcoming Allegiant Stadium, set to open in 2020.
Coaching continuity: Jon Gruden signed a 10-year contract in 2018, signaling long-term stability despite no playoff appearances in his first two seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

Raiders’ performance in 2019 compared to recent seasons highlights modest improvement amid transition:

Season	Record	Head Coach	Home Stadium	Playoff Result
2017	6-10	Jack Del Rio	Oakland Coliseum	Missed playoffs
2018	4-12	Jon Gruden	Oakland Coliseum	Missed playoffs
2019	7-9	Jon Gruden	Oakland Coliseum	Missed playoffs
2020	8-8	Jon Gruden	Allegiant Stadium	Missed playoffs
2021	10-7	Jon Gruden	Allegiant Stadium	Lost in Wild Card round

The 2019 season represented a step forward in win-loss record compared to 2018, but the team still lacked the consistency needed for playoff contention. The foundation was being laid for the Las Vegas era, with key draft picks and cap flexibility setting the stage for future success. Notably, running back Josh Jacobs provided a much-needed spark on offense, finishing third among rookies in rushing yards.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a pivotal bridge between the Raiders’ Oakland legacy and their new identity in Las Vegas. It showcased both on-field progress and the complexities of managing a franchise in transition.

Relocation significance: The season marked the end of an era in Oakland, where the team had played for 25 years since returning in 1995.
Future draft capital: The Raiders retained key draft picks, setting up future moves, including the selection of Henry Ruggs in 2020.
Cap strategy: By not signing major free agents in 2019, the team saved over $40 million for 2020 spending.
Josh Jacobs' emergence: His 1,150 rushing yards gave the offense a reliable ground game for the first time in years.
Fan engagement: Despite losing records, attendance remained strong due to anticipation of the Las Vegas move.
Coaching evaluation: Jon Gruden’s second season was seen as progressive but incomplete, with expectations rising in 2020.

Ultimately, the 2019 season was less about immediate success and more about strategic positioning. The Raiders used the year to build momentum toward their new chapter in Las Vegas, both financially and culturally, setting the stage for a rebranded future.