News You Can't Use
My take? I agree that it looks bad, and we might never know the true story, but I'm going to take Sarkisian for his official word, because that's all I've got. Let me say that I won't lose any sleep over the fact that a 32-year-old college quarterbacks coach decided that he wasn't ready for the job. I'd rather we found that out now, not later. So who's more ready to lead a team in the NFL, Steve Sarkisian or Rob Ryan? We now know the answer. Personally, I don't want to see Denny Green or Jim Fassel in Alameda. You know how I feel about Mike Martz, like him or not, his winning percentage as an NFL head coach is superb, and his ability to run an offense is unquestioned. Let's not despair just yet. I'll take Rob Ryan. If we want to pursue this McDaniels guy, fine. But one thing's for sure, if we pursue McDaniels, he's not going to let Mr. Davis hide the keys to the kingdom. There's no longer any leverage on that front. Freedom and control will be major bargaining chips.
Notice that the media are suddenly backing off after gorging on speculation and inaccuracies for two weeks about the Raiders coaching search? Even Raider Take's favorite columnist, who told us last year that Al Saunders was as good as hired, has published a piece today reminding us that nobody truly knows what's going on except Al Davis. How precious.
To make his point, our favorite columnist wags his finger at Tuesday’s infamous San Diego Union-Tribune report about James Lofton (allegedly) finalizing a contract for the position of head coach. Of course, he conveniently omits the headline story in his own paper titled “Raiders Might Talk to Martz.” Might? This story stated that “a Raiders official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Martz is believed to be on Davis' short list of candidates.”
My take: When you’re using unnamed sources to confirm beliefs, you might have a problem. How, exactly, does one confirm a belief?
So now our favorite columnist rides into the picture astride the white horse of caution: Don’t jump to conclusions, ye unwashed masses, I’m here to tell you that Al Davis works in mysterious ways. Gee, thanks for the news flash.
Oddly, our favorite columnist then briefly dismounts his white horse of caution to claim: "The Raiders are also known to be hyper-intrigued by New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels." How he knows this, we don't know, because he doesn't say. Apparently, Al Davis isn't the only one to work in mysterious ways.
At the other end of the spectrum, we have Jerry McDonald at the Oakland Tribune, who has done a great job of separating speculation from fact, even while going on the record to state that he thinks the job will go to Sarkisian. He's out on his own limb, but at least he recognizes that it's a limb, and it's carefully constructed. He also broke the news about Lane Kiffin coming to Alameda yesterday.
So yes, our favorite columnist is right that “we’ll know when we know,” except if Sarkisian gets the job, in which case we might say that he was the last to know.
And that, Raiders fans, is news you can’t use.
posted by Raider Take at 8:04 AM
101 Comments:
I still think that Davis will interview Josh McDaniels. That means we will hear no decision this week. If NE wins their game over the weekend, Al may request permission to speak to McDaniels in the few off days following the game.
In spite of what many have proclaimed, Al Davis is no idiot, and he hasn't lost it. Not all of his decisions have been right, but if you expect that you're asking for the unreasonable.
Al will wait until Super Bowl week to announce his decision. That insures the greatest amount of publicity - especially if McDaniels is named the new head coach and the Pats are in the SB. But Al won't be able to resist having his 2-14 team hold a news conference during SB week.
I wonder what would happen if I started putting these numbers on the returns I do at my job. "My company might pay $300 in Sales and Use Tax to TX, but don't count out $100. Also on the short list of payments is $75, but I'm going out on a limb and predicting it will be $50."
RT, your favorite "reporter" is not a "reporter." He is speculating on what "he" thinks. I am now refusing to call him a "reporter," but rather am going to call him "My favorite speculator."
One element that separates this year's HC hunt from last year is “timing.”
Last year there were more coachless teams vying for a limited number of qualified candidates, and virtually every team was much more aggressive in their search and ultimate hire than the Raiders.
The result, the list of HC prospects narrowed quickly. Whether or not Shell was Al’s first choice is uncertain, but it appeared to be his last option by the time Al hired him.
This year seems quite the reversal. There are very few teams looking for head coaches, and there seems to be several respectable candidates, including at least a couple viable retreads.
The result, we all have to feel better about the process. So basically, I see no urgency now. Al needs to be deliberate and make a well-informed decision. Looks like he has time to do that.
Just wondering...
Reexamining McDonald's article today, I'm wondering if the HC search has been much narrower than reported. I'm thinking that it's possible that Davis was horrified at the thought of finding himself in another Tom Walsh situation.
He selected among just a few, who he knew he would want as an HC, contacted them and asked them who they might chose as an OC. With the lists provided from the candidates Davis interviewed OC candidates as part of an extended HC evaluation.
This might explain why both Kifin and Trestman have been there. Perhaps Kifin was on Sarkisian's list, and Trestman was on Ryan's.
This makes a lot of sense to me. I wonder why no one has done this before. Maybe they have. But I haven't seen Al do this before.
Now I'm really scared. The author of the infamous Lofton Is Hired article has filed a new story stating that Lofton is out of the running and that Sarkisian looks like the choice:
"Chargers receivers coach James Lofton has been told by the Oakland Raiders that he will not be their head coach, and it appears that USC quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian will be hired instead."
Panty, we all have a little "arm-chair QB" in us, and it would be incorrect to say I wouldn't want any participation in my team and its football system, but in order to be successful, I would have to draw back as much as possible and allow my hand-picked head coach do his thing. Of course, that's me, and I'm no Al Davis.
Blandarocked, I like your pairing theory. We all just assume that Davis is randomly interviewing HC and OC candidates and would think nothing of placing an OC before a HC.
However, the idea of carefully matching the two coaches together might be as genius as it sounds.
The more I think about, the more I’d like to see the USC combo on our team. These guys have already worked together in a successful program. Talk about chemistry!
Well it looks like it not going to happen. NFL network just reported that Sark turned down the job. I bet he wouldn't take it without Kiffin as the OC and Al said no.
And from ESPN
"In a related matter, San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach and Hall of Fame member James Lofton, who met earlier this week with Oakland officials, withdrew his name from consideration for the job."
This is looking bad.
per knbr - espn reported that sark turned down the raiders!
sorry about repeating you wtdavid. ok this is getting comical.
al's gonna get turned down again by mcdaniels.
this is getting comical man!
Well folks it's down to Ryan or McDaniels, unless Al has some dark horse candidate. I'd say it's a 10% chance of McDaniels and 90% it will be Rob Ryan for HC. The real kicker is that Al can't pull the Art Shell card this time around. How low can the Raiders go?
Those of you who think Al can lure Josh Mcdaniels to Oakland are really dreaming.
First, Al would have to offer him a lot of $$$, the ability to pick his entire staff, and, a good amount of say regarding the draft, & roster. NEVER GONNA HAPPEN.
The only other way ? Al can use the Barbary Coast method, and knock Mcdaniels over the head, so when he awakes, he will be standing on the Raiders sideline.
Looks like it will be Ryan by default.
Remember, Al prefers offensive minded HCs. He could still go Fassel (god forbid) or give it to Trestman. He could just out of the blue name Denny Green. That could be explosive with those two personalities.
I guess we'll just have to sit back a watch this train wreck to see what come of it.
See, I told you I was scared when the author of the "Lofton Is Hired!" article filed a new piece today reporting that Lofton is out of the running and that "it appears that USC quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian will be hired instead."
maybe Sarkisian is going to take the OC job in San Diego that was vacated by Cam Cameron. Then he'd be in line to take over after Marty's last year --2007
With Sark out of the running, I'd have to say that things look to be once again very bleak. I'm getting the feeling that we are going to find ourselves in a position similar to last year, even if the way we get there is different: out of time and out of options for our coaching staff.
I do have to say, in a nod to the earlier thread on sensationalism taking precedence over fact in sports journalism, that the story on ESPN.com was a classic example of what the Raiders organization goes through.
Headline: Raiders coaching candidate Sarkisian rejects offer
Quote from Sark taken directly from same article: "While the job was never offered to me, at this time in my career, I've told them I want to stay at USC."
Great job on your reading comprehension skills Mr. Pasquarelli...
Looks as if we are in for another season of losing
How in the world did our fiddling emperor botch the chance to have one of the bright young minds on the market? Haven't been so pissed since the tuck rule debacle. I'm so angry with the cess pool in Alameda that I'm going to take action in my own hands. I'm taking one for the team and will announce my candidacy for the next Raider HC. My most impressive qualification is that I had an undefeated Madden '07 season with the current roster intact (you'd be surprised how much chaos a Porter/Moss tandem created). I don't need much of salary, just a parking space, and a working outlet on the sideline to plug in my PS2. I will take the job with pride and be Al's whipping boy until I start winning on my own terms and subsequently lose my job. It's sad that the only enjoyment I get from Sundays is watching other teams in the league beat our AFC West rivals(that last 49ers/Broncos game brought the biggest smile on my face of the season). I'm waiting for the call Al!
r2g,
You're HIRED !!!!!
Now that's a quick decision !!
Classic!
The "genius" will take your ship all the way down to the abyss, abandon ship now before you drown! Ahoy matey, "the autumn wind is a pirate"......Just keep defending the "nation" baby, I assume you've all heard that sarkisian has turned down your beloved leader.
Unfortunately, it looks like Sark got "cold feet". I would suspect that he didn't want to roll the dice on his coaching career. This lastest development has me seriously dejected.
How does a guy 1 week ago say that he wants to concentrate 100% of his attention to the Raiders HC opportunity and 1 week later change his mind? As Moss said at the beginning of the 2006 season, this sounds mighty "fishy".
I forgot which commenter said this a week ago on RT's site but it was to paraphrase "our only HC options are either unproven coaches or coaches with something to prove".
As I see this search dissolve, the above comment seems so prophetic. Think about it. Who have we interviewed or are considering?
Sark - unproven coach
McDaniel - unproven coach
Lofton - unproven coach
Fassell - coach with something to prove
and lastly, Ryan, who would be an internal promotion. Even if Ryan is hired it still strikes me as a "last resort" hire similar to Shell.
Just look at the perception of the HC gig in Oakland through the eyes of previous HC candidates:
Payton: No thanks Oakland...2 years later, hello New Orleans.
Petrino: No thanks Oakland...1 year later hired by Atlanta
Wisenhunt: No thanks Oakland...1 year later, sign me up Arizona.
Cameron: No thanks Oakland...1 year later, hell yes Miami.
A sad day in Alameda and across the Raider Nation. The HC vacancy in Oakland is getting to be the fat, ugly chick syndrome who no one wants to dance with.
Why are these front line candidates refusing our offers, withdrawing their candidacy, or not even bothering to interview? My best guess is that the majority of HC's don't want to be handcuffed with their decisions, staff, draft, etc. The majority of the HC's who are worth their salt want to be in control of their ability to be successful. I don't know how else to explain it.
Although I'm bummed out with how this search has progressed, I can only hope that Al has an ace up his sleeve and/or the Ryan (HC) + Trestman (OC) combination will work. Say goodnight Carol.
Great take Calico.
I don't believe these young coaches have any intention of ever taking the Raiders HC job.
But they are smart.
They come in for an interview, or two.
They get their names mentioned as possible HC material.
Then, they withdraw at the eleventh hour, but, check mate.
Now their names are on the radar of every owner, & GM in the league.
Think about it. Who else was going to give Steve Sarkasian an interview for a HC job this year ?
The answer...Nobody.
But I'll bet next year he'll get some calls, maybe even the job he really wants. One where he can actually coach, pick a staff, and make decisions.
It worked out great for the others, Payton, Petrino, & Whisenhunt.
Even Martz would rather toil as OC for lowly Lions, & Den Green won't waste his time to even come in for another pointless interview.
It looks like Al is getting played by these sharp young coaches.
But hey, at least we know who are WR coach will be next year.
Calico:
Why are these front line candidates refusing our offers, withdrawing their candidacy, or not even bothering to interview?
Perhaps "SoB" Son of Buddy has had the HC locked up all along and Al is interviewing OC's? And perhaps SoB has a bee-line on McDaniels as OC and we have to wait??
I've been hoping for Ryan/Trestman pretty much all along, but a Ryan/McDaniels would be even better... but one never knows with Al.
Let's all just hope he doesn't settle on another retread, like a month from now. Then I would be at the end of my rope.
It has been confirmed that Al made offers to Payton, Petrino and Sark. Wisenhunt interviewed but withdrew his interest before an offer could be made. Cameron completely refused Al's overtures to interview.
It is safe to say that the above HC candidates had some of the same concerns that led to their decisions. I would venture to say that a big part of their thought process was that a better opportunity would present itself in due time from another organization.
Better opportunity meaning more control and more money. Control as far as their staff, the draft, personnel decisions, and overall authority in general. Money as far as being paid fair market value with longer term job security. 2 year contracts below fair market value isn't going to entice the top HC talent.
To break this cycle, Al needs to change his ways (opening his wallet a little wider and giving more control to a HC) otherwise it will be more of the same;
Unproven coaches (read as risky, hidden gems) or coaches with something to prove (read as risky, recycled retreads).
What is missing from this pool of viable HC candidates? Top flight HCs from colleges. Proven HCs from the NFL. Proven OC candidates from the NFL. Proven defensive oriented candidates from the NFL (ie. Singletary, Rivera).
Gary: There would be no logical reason whatsoever for McDaniel to make a lateral move to join the Raiders as OC. Think about it. Would he get more money? Nope. Would he be promoted? Nope. Would he joining a more successful team? Nope. Would he develop his career more under the tutelage of Ryan as opposed to Belicik? Nope.
Our best bet to lure McDaniel would be as a HC candidate with Ryan actively recruiting him. Otherwise it looks through the process of elimination it will be Rob Ryan. Don't get me wrong. I believe Ryan has what it takes to be an excellent HC. He is a passionate, charismatic leader and fiery competitor.
My discord is more with the way this search has progressed and the lack of quality candidates that we are choosing from. In the 14 years that I have been a corporate recruiter, I have yet to hear a hiring executive complain to me because he/she has too many quality applicants to fill an opening.
i've got 2 words that'll answer y'alls questions as to why no-one wants to coach here.
AL DAVIS!
I forgot, Fassel is still in the mix. Anybody else get the sinking feeling that the longer this takes Fassel is going to wind up being our next HC instead of Ryan because Fassel is "offensive-minded"?
This is really a head scratcher. On the surface, seems we continue to be the laughing stock of the NFL, losing credibility faster than candidates.
Has it simply become en vogue to interview with Davis, then turn down or withdraw from consideration, only later to be named to another post.
I just hope our free-falling credibility doesn’t cause us to get snubbed by our top draft pick, ala Eli Manning and the Chargers.
THANKS DAVIS!!!!
YOU HAVE SYSTEMATICALLY AND WITHOUT ANY CARE OR REGARD TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING ELSE WRECKED THIS FRANCHISE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM WITH YOUR OWN SELFISH BRAND OT TOTAL INSANITY.
GO AND FUCK YOURSELF YOU SENILE OLD BASTARD.
Alright folks, let's try and avoid "news you can't use."
I find it all very interesting that the ESPN article's headline is that Sarkisian turned down the Raiders' offer, but in the body says no offer was given, and that Sark simply did not want to dangle through the USC recruiting period.
The Raiders' reference to "due dilligence" means that they are intent on interviewing all of their prospective candidates, and they still want to interview McDaniels (possibly others). Sark's position was obviously, make an offer now, or I'm going about my recruiting work for USC.
I don't doubt that Sark felt that with as much time as he's spent with Davis, Davis has the knowledge to make an offer. But obviously Davis feels that there are other candidates he wants to explore.
It comes down to this:
Sark: "Make me an offer today, and I'll take the job. Otherwise, I'm still working for USC, and I've got recruiting work to do."
Davis: "I still have candidates that I want to talk to."
The other possibility is that Sark knew that he wasn't going to get an offer, and that the choice is Ryan. Davis is just "being sure."
The only reason we believe that Sark was the frontrunner is because it fits Davis' MO and the media told us it was true, based on nothing but speculation similar to our own.
The media told us that Green was in town, interviewing "right now." Two days later we hear that Green was never interviewed. We were told that Green rejected Davis. It turns out that Green just felt that he'd inteviewed with Davis enough already, but that he's accept the job if offered.
We were told that Lofton had not only been given an offer, but that he was in the process of negotiating his contract. We hear later that no offer was issued, and that the Raiders did not intend to issue one.
I'm more pissed at the press than at Al Davis. I have no clue at this point what I should be angry at Al about, other than he hasn't signed an HC yet. But I'd rather he get it right than get it fast.
But I have every reason to be pissed at the press. They have done nothing that can even be considered jounalism on a high school paper level.
I'd reserve our torches and pitchforks for the local and national sports media.
Calico:
Let's be fair here. The continuing meme from the press is "nobody wants to work for the Raiders because of Al Davis."
Don't you think if all of these candidates felt that way that eventually we'd get an actual quote from somebody. No. We're told how they feel, in spite of the fact that they say something completely different. But the press has this unique ability to read their minds, and tell us what they really think.
Let's be clear. Patrino didn't just turn down the Raiders last year, he issued a release saying he wasn't currently interested in any NFL offers. He changed his position after the season - not unusual.
Payton was ready to accept the Raiders offer when it was given, but we know that Parcells and Jones (two of Al Davis' very best friends) convinced him to stay on in Dallas. That doesn't sound to me like Payton went screaming into the night.
As for Weisenhunt, everyone was certain that he'd get the HC job in Pit when Cowher quit, and that he'd likely move on at the end of this last season. When Cowher quit, and the Wiz wasn't offered anythig from Pit (and Davis didn't invite him back) he took an offer from AZ.
I think it's time we took the lipstick away from this pig we call "the press."
I blame Davis. He wants to bullshit around take his time and alienate quality candidates in the process. I agree with BR, Sarkisian probably wanted an offer now and Davis wouldn't do it. If we end up with some BS retread, I will be pissed off and ready for another crappy season. Al is ruining this team.
Roy
BR, you're right, the media sets our expectations and we react harshly when those expectations are not met.
The thing that bothers me is that a pattern has been established over the past few years of limited interviewing, candidate withdrawals, and drawn out untimely hiring.
Meanwhile, we all expect Al always has an ace up his sleeve. Maybe it's still a little early to ask, but where's the ace? Is it Ryan? If so, who will our new OC be?
Conversely, look at the fish. They interviewed about 13 candidates, fast and furious, and hired one of the top prospects in the league.
Arizona interviewed extensively and got their man.
Atlanta got Al's man and he's already assembled his entire staff of assistants.
Raider Take is 100% right, the only bargaining power Al has left is to offer a new coach “freedom and control.”
We should be looking hard at guys like Martz, who will start by giving us back our credibility to sign top free agents and our #1 draft pick.
Al Davis is definitely flushing this proud Raider organization down the toilet. I dont think we will ever have another winning season as long as this senile old bastard is calling the shots. The game has passed him by. If you take out the Gruden years, the team has sucked balls since it returned to Oakland in 1995. The time has come for a change and it all starts at the top! AL DAVIS PLEASE RETIRE!!!!!!!!!
Roy;
You blame Al, but do you know why. All any of us know is that Sark was rumored to be the frontrunner, the Raiders haven't offered Sark the job, and that Sark is taking himself out of the running.
The press tells us that Sark couldn't get away fast enough. Sure... Sark said he was going for the job 100%, and spent at least 3 days being interviewed over two weeks. Sure sounds like he just couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Calico wrote:
My discord is more with the way this search has progressed and the lack of quality candidates that we are choosing from. In the 14 years that I have been a corporate recruiter, I have yet to hear a hiring executive complain to me because he/she has too many quality applicants to fill an opening.
You are going to just get me started on my pet peave about many Raider fans... we started this ourselves. How many of us wanted Callahan's head on a pike a year after he brought us to a SB? I feel pretty much alone in thinking Callahan deserved at least two more years and more control (just guessing here, but that is what I see in other Raider forums). If Al had done that, and Callahan still stunk, he could have fired him and then still attracted a quality HC? Instead we get "Crazy Al" firing a coach one year after the SB; Turner, Shell, and 11 whopping wins (While Callahan won 17 in TWO years).
The RAIDER NATION shouldn't be pointing many fingers if they thought Al did the right thing in firing Callahan instead of supporting him.
I'm just saying...
Anonymous said...
Al Davis is definitely flushing this proud Raider organization down the toilet. I dont think we will ever have another winning season as long as this senile old bastard is calling the shots. The game has passed him by. If you take out the Gruden years, the team has sucked balls since it returned to Oakland in 1995. The time has come for a change and it all starts at the top! AL DAVIS PLEASE RETIRE!!!!!!!!!
How many people pointing fingers at Al here really thought Sark was a SURE THING before he passed us up... hmmmm?
Cmon guys. Lets give Al a few weeks before we throw him under the bus.
I've been hoping for Ryan/Trestman all along, and am still hoping for that.
If he waits a month and then settles on "Fossil" or something, we can all join in a big ol' "Al is a moron" pity party.
Gary - You make a good point about the constant turnover of HCs being a problem. To create stability in any organization, the MOST important aspect is to hire the most qualified person for the job.
Mike White, Joe Bugel, Bill Callahan, Norv Turner, and Art Shell were not good selections for a wide range of reasons which led to instability. It is a vicious cycle. The only way to end this cycle is to identify the best available candidate, pay fair market value, AND give this person the full authority to do his job.
As I stated earlier, I have no problem with the Ryan/Trestman combination. My disappointment in the HC search is the lack of front line candidates involved in the process and the lack of urgency in setting up a busy and productive interview schedule.
For example, what harm could come from interviewing Martz, Singletary, Rivera, and Mora weeks ago. Why limit the choices and drag our feet? A guy like Singletary very well might have blown Davis' socks off in an interview.
It has been 20 days since the season ended and 16 days since Shell was fired and we have interviewed Sark, Lofton, Fassell, and Ryan. None of these guys were HC candidates for any of the other teams with HC vacancies.
Why were the Dolphins and Cardinals able to interview quality & quantity candidates in a short period of time. Both organizations interviewed 8-10 front line candidates, weeded it down to 2-3 primary candidates, and made their final selection while we are taking our sweet time with marginal candidates.
I would suspect that these organizations had an aggressive interview schedule, pay top dollar, and give their HC the authority necessary to succeed to include selecting their staff where it is deemed fit.
The other problem I have with this search is the likely perception (whether right or wrong) that if Ryan is named HC that the general public will view this as a "last resort" or "default" hire. In a way this negative perception would diminish Ryan's authority in the eyes of the players and fans.
DAVIS STARS IN NFL REMAKE OF GROUNDHOG DAY
Getting up to the 3rd week of the "search" and no sign of a hire, a humiliating turn down from a college water-boy and everyone has a sense of deja vu.
It matters not if Sark was or wasn't "the answer" all that matters is Davis couldn't land his top target once again, and behind all the PR BS we all know why.
Sark was candidate that would not even have come up at a brainstorming session with the other 31 teams, in Oakland, because no-one with any reputation is forced into working for Al Davis - he was the top choice.
How pathetic is that?
Not only is he at least 2 levels below the minimum requirement for a NFL HC, he turned the job down!
The last team to hire once again, yet people tell you Davis isn't the problem, so it looks like another humiliating wait for a team to get knocked out the playoffs so their young OC can tell Al to get stuffed. I doubt Mcdaniels even bothers to fly over, Wiz certainly didn't want to - he was in and out of Al hands within 48 hours.
So who is left?
Ryan, obviously, but that doesn't solve the offense does it? and Davis clearly wants an offensive guy.
What's more likely to happen is Davis forced to hire Fassell or Green in a few weeks time and then claim they were the top name on the dance card after all.
Just like last year.
TOTAL HUMILIATION for the Raider Nation once again, as Davis shows his rampant senility shows no signs of slowing down.
If anyone thinks next season will be any better or the Raiders can stop being a dysfunctional soap opera then they are nuts.
There can be no doubt anymore - Al Davis is fucking killing this team.
There is no hope until the old coots alarm clock goes off and he doesn't hear it, and he can no longer inflict "Groundhog Day" on the Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders will not win until Al Davis is dead.
Gary: Why in the Sam hell would you want Trestman? He is worse than a retread because he sucks so bad is a retread coordinator.
BR: I think Sark wanted the job. It is not the media that creates expectations it is the damn losing. I want a young bright mind. Ryan would be great but only if he is allowed to pick his own coaches. McDaniels would be great, if we get him I will praise Al. But I'm not holding my breath. Al should've pulled the trigger and went with Sark, he obviously wanted the job but Al was not ready. This is why I'm pissed. We've gone through this process alot lately and there is a pattern emerging and its not a good one.
Roy
So many assumptions, so little time.
Why do we "know" that Sark was the prefered candidate? Do you really think that Davis had made up his mind on Sark, and then sat there scratching his ass when it was time to make the offer. All we know is that Davis is putting his candidates through a more grueling process than usual. Both last year and this year.
It seems to me that Davis is likely doing this because he wants to relinquish some control, and he wants that control to go to the right guy. If Sark absolutely couldn't wait another week, it could be that Sark isn't the right guy.
As for Calico's statement that the interviews aren't going fast enough... Al Davis has the largest Roledex in the NFL. I have no doubt that he's eliminated many candidates over the phone. We also have no idea who has been to visit the facility, and who may have been to Al Davis' house.
The press told us Green was there when he wasn't. Don't you think it possible that there have been a few who have been there that we don't know about?
"It seems to me that Davis is likely doing this because he wants to relinquish some control, and he wants that control to go to the right guy."
It would seem to me the exact opposite, that Davis doesn't want to relinquish any control, and that's why he's going back and forth with candidates to see who will actually take the job without Davis surrendering any power whatsoever.
BR wrote: "Al Davis has the largest Roledex in the NFL."
(What good is that rolodex if you only interview marginal candidates?)
BR Wrote: "Don't you think it possible that there have been a few who have been there that we don't know about?"
(Frankly, no. Any serious, viable, interested candidate is NOT going to interview for a HC position in the NFL in a covert fashion)
Anonymous said...
Gary: Why in the Sam hell would you want Trestman? He is worse than a retread because he sucks so bad is a retread coordinator.
I guess those records that were broken during the SB year were all just smoke and mirrors or something?
And I guess I am hoping against all hope that we can return to the WC offense... but by all means lets hope for Al to get another "Smash mouth football and long ball" coach that brought us a whopping 11 wins in three seasons!
Like I said... some Raider fans DESERVE crappy coaches. It's what we want.
I don't think I can stand Al stubbornly trying to prove ya don't need the WC-offense to succeed in the NFL before he dies... sorry.
Hint: Curry/Porter/Moss would be perfect WC receivers.
Prolly the best in the league.
(snip some good points)
Calico:
The other problem I have with this search is the likely perception (whether right or wrong) that if Ryan is named HC that the general public will view this as a "last resort" or "default" hire. In a way this negative perception would diminish Ryan's authority in the eyes of the players and fans.
Not if Ryan already knows he has the job.
Look... once again... you guys have a great point if we end up with someone that looks like he was the bottom of the pickle barrel... but IIRC, Al said he would name a HC before the SB.
That date hasn't been reached yet.
Adam Schefter is reporting on NFLN that the Raiders DID offer Sarkisian the HC job at the tune of $2 million/year. I didn't catch how many years.
Now after this past week trusting the mediots is not big with Raiders fans, but keep in mind it was just about a month ago that Schefter reported that Art Shell would be fired at the end of the season, which the Raiders denied vehemently. We all know how that turned out, don't we?
So if this is the case then maybe we should take a good long look in the organizational mirror and ask why is it that coaches we identify as having HC potential don't sign with us but do sign up with other teams? Payton, Petrino, Whisenhunt were all targeted by the Raiders and either we didn't pull the trigger or they didn't sign. Don't be fooled about Al being senile, he can still spot talent a mile away. The problem is signing that talent.
In the past people we looked at would have given us the benefit of the doubt. Parcells and Jones would have talked to Payton, but back then Payton would have said "but it's the Raiders, I've got to give it a shot." Nowadays candidates are not saying that.
I think raider00 hit the nail on the head. Candidates that take the interview and then take their name out of consideration are setting themselves up for consideration with other teams. Consideration they wouldn't have gotten if the Raiders hadn't given them a look. They're giving the standard "I'm not ready for an NFL HC position at this time" and then the following year they are coaching in the NFL.
If Sarkisian is telling the truth about wanting to be an HC in college, then next year when someone comes to him with an HC offer in the NFL then he will decline. If what he said is not true then you can bet he'll be coaching for some team other than the Raiders.
At this point I'd rather have Rob Ryan than Jim Fassel, but like calicojack said, this is going to hurt whoever we get because then it will look as if they were a "last resort" just like they did with Shell last year.
Let us not forget that we could wind up in the same situation as last year with a late HC signing and then all the OC candidates will be gone. We all know how that turned out.
Like I said pantyraider, Schefter was dead on the money about Shell getting canned when the Raider front office swore up and down that it wasn't the case. I'm specifically talking about Schefter, not these folks from the San Diego Tribune and else where.
Think about it, our own organization got caught spinning(lying) about Shell, what they said about Sarkisian and Kiffen didn't make sense unless they HAD offered them the position.
One of the most overlooked aspect of this whole HC search is the message AD is sending to the current roster: my way-right or wrong. Not that I give a hoot about the opinions of malcontents, but obviously, they had their say about retaining Shell. I thought that Shell's default hiring was seen in the players eyes as a mistake, and his validity and effectiveness as coach was challenged before the start of training camp. Whoever "earns" the next Oakland HC position must be fully aware of the baggage that awaits in Alameda. Yes, the renegade way of the Raiders is an important aspect of the mystique, but since we are, again, the last team with a coaching vacancy, one should begin to question Al's methodology and the message it sends to his beloved players.
pantyraider-
All I know is that when three guys that we were the first to talk to chose not to sign with us but are now HCs with other teams. One I could understand, but three within a two-year period? Something is wrong up in Oakland.
It just makes me wonder if just maybe the "mediots" are right about no one wanting to coach in Oakland, except for those that can't get hired anyplace else. It hurts to think it might be true, but when it keeps happening you have to start questioning just what is going on.
PantyRaider,
I agree with you that the media is often wrong about the Raiders, and ALWAYS unfair to them.
But this HC search, like last years, has to give everyone pause.
Here's the problem. We all knew early on that the Raiders were in for a long, losing season, especially the terrible offense.
As a fan, I would like to think that Al Davis, who suffered through this season just like the rest of us, would have a clear, agressive, bold, plan ready to be implimented, as soon as the season ended.
Instead, we get the same old, slow motion, don't seem to have a clue/plan, inaction, that has plagued the Raiders for quite a while now.
Does Al know that his offense needs to be gutted ?
Or, is he simply going to bring his baby's back again next year to crush another coach ?
Where is the Al Davis that traded Villapiano, for Chandler ?
Who traded Snake, Chester, Tatum, & Casper ?
The Al Davis who used to get his hands dirty, and did whatever it took to win, where is he ???
This past December, Al stood in his grim lockerroom, and held court with a hand full of reporters.
He said he would bring the Raiders back, and it would take doing something "BIG".
Well, from where I sit, Al is off to a very SMALL start.
Let's kill this notion once and for all that "Ryan already has been selected as the HC". It is silly and defies any sane logic or common sense.
If this were true, what exactly would be the reason or motivation to hold off on making an annoucement? This be the ultimate slap in the face to Ryan. "Congratulations Rob on becoming our HC. Now just keep it to yourself". Yeah right.
Another ridiculous assumption is that Davis is purposely waiting until the SB to make his decision. The only reason Davis would wait until the SB (or after) is because there isn't any viable candidates who will sign the dotted line unless it is promoting Rob Ryan.
As far as Trestman goes, are people forgetting that the Raiders averaged just over 28 points a game and were the #1 ranked passing offense in the NFL in 2002? Wouldn't the playcaller/OC of this 2002 unit deserve some credit for this production? Trestman's experience, qualifications, and capabilities as OC are the least of our worries.
PantyRaider:
I think it's fair to assume the first guy offered the job is the number 1 candidate......
Unless of course you are naive enough to buy the PR spin The Raiders and SS put on it of course.
I love how the media always gets it wrong, except of course when they have it right, like that "mediot" Shefter.
The media are an easy target, no-one likes them, but they have a beast to feed and often resort to BS - but only a fool believes NOTHING he reads.
The media aren't making the Raiders look bush league, that Al Davis.
There isn't some media campaign to discredit the Oakland Raiders, they are simply gorging on the flesh of an organization that is easy copy, and continues to make an ass of itself.
They didn't create this dysfunctional backward spastic abortion of a professional asports franchise - Al Davis did.
The "mediots" simply poke the fire to keep it going,.
So it’s the media’s fault?
Guess what? Perception is reality. That’s why people in the public eye hire PR assistants to help them mold or create their own public perception, or prevent negative perceptions.
It seems negative perception has become a staple of the Raiders. Yeah, Al’s a renegade and never cared about those things. Well, he should start, and hire a good PR person to get out of this funk.
Short of some sort of convert coaching search (as Calico Jack aptly stated), it looks like we only have one serious candidate left, Rob Ryan. McDaniels is probably a long-shot at best, unless Ryan himself is behind the recruiting.
Seems to me, Al's choice is (A) hire Ryan expeditiously and create a perception that he was our choice all along, or (B) prolong this process further, go after a guy like McDaniels and allow McDaniels to make a fool of us like so many before him.
ESPN is reporting Viking's DC is the next Steelers HC... only the third in their history. Talk about positive perception and credibility. Wow! If we act now and hire Ryan (to save face), then he can become our third coach in as many years. Our reality!
Sorry Calico jack, I didn't mean to butcher your terminology.
That's "COVERT" coaching search folks, not convert!
Sometimes the keys have a will of their own.
bama7
We're all speculating but it's pretty ovbvious that Sarkasian, as would anyone, called around about the job. Looks like he came back and laid it on the table for Al... give me full control of my staff and personnel and an answer by the end of the week. Al, as usual, wouldn't do it, at least not for a 32 year old college QB coach. And then Al heard what he hears a lot of these days, "no thanks." Wow, A college QB coach turns down instant millionare status and a HC coaching job in the NFL. Al must overbearing to the absolute highest level. The worst assesments of him MUST BE CORRECT. Can someone please reach Al!!!! The man is killing us.
Whatever happens let's just wait and see if all the old Raiders are still on the staff. That'll be the clue as to whether anything is changing or not. I'm not saying Freddie and Willie and Rod and the rest shouldn't be coaches, somewhere. But it is CLEAR that we need a change in culture. And that starts with it being evident to the players that a COMPLETELY new system is in place and that the coach is in charge.
Gary said: I guess those records that were broken during the SB year were all just smoke and mirrors or something?
It's 2006. Why don't we examine his credential since them.
2003 Raiders OC #27 pts scored
2004 Dolphins OC #28 pts scored
2006 NC State OC & QB coach #97 total offense
He was fired for his role in the 3-9 crappy season for the NC State Wolf Pack. I guess your right some Raider fans deserve the coach they get. You want Al, not our HC to pick the coordinators. You want the West Coast offense so bad you don't even care if you get a competent coach.
I want a new modern offense as much as the next guy, the difference is I want a young innovative coach that hasn't been failing for the last four years.
Roy
Here's a great little take on the Sark debacle:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_5056582
Who knows what to believe at the moment, but the "mediots" have been just as quick to jump the gun about the other coaching vacancies around the league (wasn't Whizenhunt the heir apparent in Pittsburgh?. The difference is how each organization has dealt with the "mediots" and their stories, and how no other organization loses as much credibility in the eyes of the public as the Raiders. Look at the Vick incident from earlier this week:
story comes out about Vick's special water-bottle, media begins their smear campaign, Falcon's president, GM, and head coach meet with Vick to "discuss/scold" and restore order. While the story is not dead, the Falcon's organization took immediate steps to minimize the damage that Vick's indiscretion could have caused the franchise. This sense of immediacy, urgency, and authority have sadly been lacking for some time now, and it would be hard to fault the "mediots" for writing stories when the Raider organization continues to provide the scripts.
Calico-
Far be it from me to reply to one of your posts but he's my two cents.
The O numbers during the retrun to glory were reflective of Gruden wrestling enough control to keep running a WC type offense and the right personnel.
I don't really count the SB year has Callahan was a caretaker and it was still Gruden's plan. (Just as the Gruden TB team was Tony Dungy's.)
It seems this stupid vertical game is al Al wants. Trestman can't fix this. Only Al giving up control can fix this. We are a mess.
It seems to me that unless Mcdaniels shocks the World and actually accepts the Raider job at some indeterminate point in the future, then the HC can only come from TWO names.
Jim Fassell and Denny Green.
Why not Ryan?
Three reasons.
1. The obvious and only choice from the off IMO, but obviously looked over by Davis in favour of offensive minds noticebly SS.
2. He's a defensive coach, Davis doesn't hire defensive HC's - what have we seen so far from Dr. Senility would lead anyone to believe he has changed his approach about anything?
He clearly hasn't changed a thing judging by the HC process.
3. The offense is the problem, not the defense, why would an offensive hire a defensive HC, when said coach is already running the only functioning unit on the entire team?
It makes no sense.
Mcdaniels isn't going to say yes to Al Davis, forget that.
So instead of the "bold and the beautiful" we get the "old and the desperate".
Davis knows both guys well and likes both guys, simple as that. He wanted sexy and young, but can't get sexy and young anymore.
These guys are washed up as HC's and as such if they ever want another crack, this is the only place they will get it, and as such will work, just like NT did, under any strictures Davis insists on - that includes Davis keeping the last scrap of power.
The same tired old vertical game will be implemented and the draft will be a total fuck up as usual, Davis will go for a patch solution again - FA QB , Calvin Johnson....you know the drill, and the Raiders will lose and explode in acrimony by mid season once again.
Its going to be an old retread and another two wasted years, still Davis can't live forever.
Memdf -
Your point about the WC vs Vertical Offense hits on a much broader issue that all of us have been discussing in various ways:
The control & authority of the HC.
Control & authority to pick your coaching staff
Control & authority to run your offense, defense, and special teams as you see fit
Control & authority to shape your roster (draft, free agency, cuts)
Control & authority to discipline, fine, and release personnel as deemed necessary.
As far as WC vs. Vertical O, my personal belief is that a hybrid of the 2 offenses is the best of both worlds.
I am just as lost as everyone here on the subject of our next HC. No one knows what the hell Davis will do. He had to save face last year with Shell. Can you imagine if no one takes the job. All we have is Green, Fossiol, and Ryan? I just don't get it. Davis just likes to toy with everyone. Ever notice that? GhostRaider would agree with me on this one.
Davis said some 'BIG' will happen when the season is over with. I haven't seen it or is it already there. Too much drama for me. We will see if Davis can still pull a rabbit out of his skull.
WC vs VP? Well, the vertical game is still in practice with in a few nfl teams. But it can't work all of the time. You watch Bobby P. will have a tough time in this league. Davis was all gay for him. But I still believe Bobby P will not deliver what he says he can deliver IMO.
I want someone who can think on there feet and change the way the game is played.
Check out this article at Inside the Bay Area.com:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_5056582
Sarkisian says the Raiders were shocked when he turned down the job. Also, it seems that the issue of how much control he would have over the team played a part in his not taking the job. Funny how the same thing that we've been discussing here reared it's head with Sarkisian declining the offer. The Raiders still claim no offer was made. Hmmmm.
Roy:
He was fired for his role in the 3-9 crappy season for the NC State Wolf Pack.
Installing a WC offense is not done over night in college... and without looking it up, he didn't have much to work with in the pro's with Gannon hurt and a crappy Miami team.
Roy:
I want a new modern offense as much as the next guy, the difference is I want a young innovative coach that hasn't been failing for the last four years.
I suppose you think we can get Shawn Peyton or something?
As I pointed out earlier... with "crazy Al" firing coaches left and right.. I am simply looking at the BEST of our options right now... and to me, that would be people that already know Al... and have had success under him. Ryan/Trestman seems to be the only two people I can think of right now that are available.
Once again, if we can get some RB help, and someone that doesn't stink out loud at QB... Curry/Moss/Porter would be one of the best WestCoast WR combo's in the NFL. If we want to throw just bombs... none of them are very good at all at it (especially with Moss not even trying to catch long passes anymore.)
If one of the gloom-n-doomers can come up with a better idea than Ryan/Trestman and give me reasons why it would work, I'd look at it.
Until then, all I see is bellyaching and finger pointing. Color me underwhelmed.
Calico:
As far as WC vs. Vertical O, my personal belief is that a hybrid of the 2 offenses is the best of both worlds.
I can live with that... I just don't think any offense that is geared towards any more than 2.5 seconds to deliver the ball will work in todays NFL... the defenses are too big and fast for it to work... our young line wasn't THAT horrible this season, we were simply hoping for 3 or more seconds for all plays, and never had any safety valves (they were trying to help block... crazy-train stupidity.
Take it for what it is worth ...
NFL CBS's Charley Casserly said that Al Davis was so impressed with Lane Kiffin that Kiffin is interviewing tonight.
Isn't that the same Charley Casserly that took Mario Williams overall? I thought he was up for a job with the league?
I understand that coaches wanting "complete control" is just the way things are now. But why is this really necessary? In the real world, if you change companies, take over a new job, do you get to bring over all your old buddies from the last place you worked? I don't think so. Any good manager implements their operating procedures, their style, and makes it work. Why are we cutting coaches so much slack on this topic?
Hopefully with NE out our search will come to an end soon. I haven't been as concerned with the pace, since we haven't been talking to folks who were in play elsewhere. But if we are to believe the reports, Sark had his say in his choice for O/C. We won't know until someone actually gets hired whether some of the position coaches stay or not. But if that was the issue, that Al wanted him to keep a couple of position coaches, and he couldn't handle it, then he wasn't strong enough to be H/C. Or if he wanted his own D/C, should Al have allowed him to swap Ryan for his choice? I just don't understand all the moaning that Davis won't give up control. I'd want the new guy to earn it first, especially if it's someone young and inexperienced. I can understand the coordinator roles, but complete say over roster, etc, is a bit much - there are very few who can handle the whole enchilada at a high level. Wouldn't a young coach be better served concentrating on his area of expertise, and then growing into areas like roster control, etc?
Anyways, I'm looking forward to see what happens over the next week. Whoever we select will impact free agency and the draft, and we'll likely get a better sense of how the team will look once the H/C issue is settled.
Gary said,"Perhaps "SoB" Son of Buddy has had the HC locked up all along and Al is interviewing OC's? And perhaps SoB has a bee-line on McDaniels as OC and we have to wait??"
This is what I've been saying from the get-go. I'd prefer Denny Green over Fassell as OC though, but Green doesn't want it here because of his friendship with Davis.
As far as the Ryan/McDaniels scenario, does Ryan have ties with McDaniels? They coached in NE together. McD started out in scouting, then assisted the defensive coaching staff; and then in 2004, was named QB coach, then OC.
So he may have "assisted" Ryan when he was working as LB coach. Maybe they became "buddies." I think it's a possibility. But to leave a team for the same position on a different team? I think that is the downside of it. Especially since Davis doesn't pay his coaches good $$$, and offers McDaniels less than what he is making now, or $1 more.
Oh to dream!
Leader Vacancy Blues Hiaku
Sark-Tiffin say no
Was Lofton a candidate?
Ryan overlooked
Who will it be now?
Everybody is guessing
New blood or Fassell
A dark horse appears
Al Davis, the new head Coach
My darkest nightmare!
stickem....the reason why you need a coach today to be the GUY is because if you have an owner sticken his nose in it,the players lose respect for the coach ,it undermines his authority.....RESPECT is a big thing with the players today and they can see when a coach is getting rolled by his owner...check out parcells,you know he has lost respect with his players because jerry gets owens,owens brings down team,undermines parcell's and voila,DYSFUNCTION. can any of you understand this concept??? once there is dysfunction,coach loses players,fractured locker room = losses. it really is simple. there needs to be ONE VOICE and that comes from the coach and the hc wants ALL OF HIS ASSISTANTS ON THE SAME PAGE. when the assistants are hired by the owner,again it undermines the hc,then you have what we have,CHAOS. this is the way it is in PRO FOOTBALL,this is not a corporation with multiple managers and bosses,no,this is PRO FOOTBALL,big difference....jones
We're really going through the looking glass here. It's all really weird. First Sark says that he's withdrawing, but wasn't given an offer. Now, apparently, he's saying that an offer was extended to both him and Kiffin (as OC), and that both refused. Now Kiffin is going in for another interview, this time as HC.
As far as Sark goes - "I'm going for this job 100%" (and, mind you, Sark has worked on the staff so he knew how it was run coming in) - he brings his choice OC with him to the interview, and the Raiders are obviously interested, but now he claims that he's not given enough latitude on staff decisions.
I'm view a lot of this as a press fantasy with selected facts thrown in for credibility sake.
it's all a game,it is probably true that sark was offered a contract,read the contract and for whatever reason said no thanks. now for the reasons why he would say no thanks when just a week ago he was all over it ,telling everyone how much he would love to do it.... just another day in Al's way of searching for a coach and now it is reported that kiffin might not be coming for another interview...could be these guys are using all this posturing as a way to get more money out of usc....when they really never wanted the job in the first place.Al could be being used by these 2 to further themselves. would like to hear some word on the guy from n.e. . if he doesn't bother,Al has to give it to ryan,but maybe ryan doesn't want the job.... maybe that is why ryan isn't being mentioned or maybe it has been ryan all along and Al just messing around. like you say br,who knows.
oh yeah....jones
hey panty,are you sure that lombardi is the mole??? if he is ,his jaw must be flapping all day long...all these rumors and speculation it's all just mental masterbation.... if we trade for vick ..... we may as well all start going to airports with stinky weed in a fake water bottle....jones
If we trade for Vick, he'll be our QB and our leading rusher all wrapped up in one.
Jones - I think that is short sighted. Do you mean to say that because a couple of assistants are retained (which we are only certain about on the D side, btw), that players will immediately tune out the H/C, or that the assistants will not teach or enforce what the H/C wants to do? I think that the style of offense/defense the H/C wants to run, how he communicates and inspires players, how he teaches out on the field, how he manages on game day, etc all have much more impact.
Look at this past season. Shell was allowed to bring in his O/C – bad choice. He brought in an additional offensive line coach, and tried to implement a new blocking scheme – bad choice. He feuded with Porter before the season, did nothing to fix the situation – bad choice. He allowed a poorly designed offense to perpetuate throughout the season – bad choice. As the year went on more players said they didn’t know why certain things were being done/not done – bad choice. These are the reasons for the failure of the team, and ultimately the failure of the coach.
I want a coach like Gruden, who had the cajones to come in and make it work. Someone who believes in what they want to do, and can teach and motivate others to get things done. Someone who can work with Lombardi & Davis to make the team better. The relationship between the H/C and GM is way more important than with any individual assistant. Give me someone who BELIEVES that he can get the job done, can get everyone on the same page, and doesn’t back down from the players, Al, or anyone else.
That Vick rumor is rubbish. Why stop there? Why don't we trade everyone for Vick, along with all of our picks. I smell horse shit.
On the QB front. Dallas has still not locked up Romo in a new contract. I figure they owe us.
Then again, they may have talked him out of the Oakland job, but they also let Sean go to New Orleans so that Tuna could retire less than a year later. Ouch. What is the old saying? A bird in hand...
While it sounds very Raiderlike, the compensation package of our #1 pick and two receivers for Vick seems unrealistic.
Although, leave it to Al Davis and the Raiders to made a deal for Vick before securing a head coach, thereby leaving that new coach totally out of the decision process who his QB should be...
On a completely different note, did anyone notice in last nights' Pats-Colts game, that when the Pats were on the field for the "last offensive drive" Peyton Manning was wearing a hat, looking down?
The reason I ask this, is because I think the hat he was wearing was the Colts AFC Championship hat. Does anyone have the game recorded? It is not showing up on the highlight reels.
come on stickem.... when a h.c can only pick an o.c out of how many assistants and Al has to OK the o.c as well.... you talk like all it takes is a h.c. that can DO IT ALL ON HIS OWN,no,coaches are a team as well.if you are thrown into a situation where some coaches have been there forever and another been here for 3 years and pretty much takes his orders from the owner.this is a dysfunctional situation in nfl standards. please don't tell me how it worked when gruden was here ,it is not relevent.what i'm saying is,it will cause dysfunction and then the players lose respect and when a player has been here for a few years,i'm sure they get sick of it. now we have assistants with different pages,an owner wanting to have it his way,would you want to coach in that situation?? would that be your dream job??? not likely. this is why coaches want to hire their own people,they want a close unit and everyone knows what their job is and they all know they can trust each other to get it done. you can't deny that. teams that do have it,have more stability,one thing that is lacking within this organization.to many pluses for a h.c. to be able to get his own people compared to having the owner tell them who it will be.
is this a consipracy theory??? no he had a colts hat on...jones
oh yeah....jones
BlandaRocked said...
We're really going through the looking glass here. It's all really weird. First Sark says that he's withdrawing, but wasn't given an offer. Now, apparently, he's saying that an offer was extended to both him and Kiffin (as OC), and that both refused. Now Kiffin is going in for another interview, this time as HC.
As far as Sark goes - "I'm going for this job 100%" (and, mind you, Sark has worked on the staff so he knew how it was run coming in) - he brings his choice OC with him to the interview, and the Raiders are obviously interested, but now he claims that he's not given enough latitude on staff decisions.
It seems to me if he is going to be playing games like this with the press, one has to wonder how he would have worked out as a NFL coach ???
Maybe this was a blessing in disguise?
Stick'em,
Look at it this way.
Say you're President Davis, and you lead the (Raider),Nation into war,(NFL season).
Let's imagine you put General Shell in charge of the war, because you want to micro manage it, and you know Gen. Shell is a company man who will do as he's told, and follow all orders to the T.
But now let's suppose the war is going badly, you are losing the war, and you need to make a change a the top.
So you fire Gen. Shell, and you really want to replace him with the great General Patton, but you know to get him, he is going to insist on running the show his way, with much more control in his hands.
I think that's the problem facing Davis. Keep control of a losing effort, or give up some control as the price of greatness.
Posted on Pro Football Talk:
RAIDERS TO HIRE KIFFIN
"Adam Schefter of NFLN reports that the Oakland Raiders will hire USC co-offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to succeed Art Shell as head coach of the team.
Kiffin interviewed several days ago for the position of offensive coordinator in a regime that would have featured USC co-offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as head coach. Sarkisian thereafter withdrew his name from consideration.
Apparently, Sarkisian will now interview to be the offensive coordinator of the Raiders."
The above paragraph seems dubious at best. Until there is an official announcement and Kiffin spills blood on a contract, I will take the above report with a grain of salt.
Calico-
Hold it! What? Huh?
ESPN says that Kiffin has been hired!
spin that nay sayers. if sark interviews for the OC job, i'll be lmao at all the mediots. they know nothing, speculation comes true a small % of the time when you not not of what you speak. tis better to be thought of the fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Well, X called it right- ESPN saya it is official that Lane Kiffin has been signed to a 5 year deal to be the new head coach. I'm excited that we didn't sign another coach that has been through the mill and tossed aside by other teams and went after a young coach who might bring with him a fresh perspective and a lot of enthusiasm. I'm nervous about bringing in a coach who is inexperienced at running the whole show, but I prefer it instead of the "retread" coach as we've come to coin it.
The question now is who will Kiff select for his coaching staff? I think he'd be a fool to get rid of Ryan as DC considering the job he's done so far. I also think the report from the NFLN about Sark signing on as OC seems a bit far-fetched, all things considered. The next few months leading up to the draft will be very interesting times, indeed.
Would have liked to get McDaniels in for an interview, but Coach K has legitimate enough credentials to silence the numerous players grumbling about having a modern offense. Hopefully, we can retain Ryan, and return to the days where the players were accountable for the successes and failures of the team.
The official Raiders.com website already has Kiffin listed as the head coach. I still want to see the press conference tomorrow to believe it 100%. (lol)
It's an odd thing to say that we missed out on the USC OC (Sark), but hired the USC OC (Kiff). To the casual NFL fan, I'm sure they are very confused.
I agree with Roundrockraider, I like the youth decision as HC...not a retread.
r2g,
I also would liked to have seen us interview McDaniels from NE, but for some reason I think that:
1) The Pats would not let him talk to us
2) He would have had permission to talk, but would not be interested
3) Would have interviewed, but declined
All of the above would have stalled the hiring process. I believe (my own blind faith) that Davis made the right decision in hiring Kiff. He obviously must have been impressed with him from the first interview
I am glad a choice has been made and one that is best for what the Raiders' and fans need. Al must have seen something in Kiff that he did not see in Sark.
I am curious about the 5 year deal and what pre cursors are on it?
Now let's start looking at some new assistants, free agents to sign and get set for the draft.
I hope this will bring in a new era for the Raiders'
GO RAIDERS 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get ready for another back to back losing run for 2 years before big al (MR.) davis "the genius" has to pick yet another HC, I do predict that big al will give kiffy 2 years before he drops the ax on him, "rob the slob ryan with the Shirley Temple haircut" might tender his resignation due to the insult of bringing in a kid to boss him around! 2-14, the party's over....Just defend the "nation" babies.
I have been following USC football for many years since my Dad has been a season ticket holder since 1960.
As far as the offense SC has run the last few years, I can best characterize it as:
- a pro-style, balanced offense.
- Thunder and lightning type of rushing attack where a speed back and power back are rotated
- stretches the field verically with medium and deep passes.
- stretches the field horizontally with short passes to WRs, TEs, and backs
- Heavy useage of 3 WR sets this season with (Jarrett, Smith, and Turner)
The good news about Kiffin is that he learned from 2 of the brightest offensive minds in college football. While at Fresno State, Kiffin learned from Jeff Tedford. While at USC, Kiffin was mentored by Norm Chow.
One of Kiffin's strongest attributes is his selling skills. Kiffin was voted one of the top recruiters in the country by Rivals.com. Communication skills and the art of persuasion go hand in hand with being a top recruiter.
Calico:
Communication skills and the art of persuasion go hand in hand with being a top recruiter.
Ok... this has me pumping my fists! These were Gruden's best attributes and what has been completely missing on offense since he left. I don't think todays players identified with Turner/Shell standing like statues on the sidelines... and Callahan got out of control once they started losing.
WAY TO GO AL!!! I have a great feeling about this!
What I like about Kiffin is his balance of Offensive attacks. He mingles the WC/Gilman style. For those unfamiliar with the whole "Gilman" debacle, it is the Offensive strategy of building your offense around a power-back.
The mixture and balance of the 2 offensive styles is going to be the end of the "Cover-2" defense, and new style of blitz packages that defenses run (i.e.-Patriots, Colts, Bears, Chargers, Ravens, etc).
While it is not "fool proof" it will definitely keep the defense guessing as to what is coming next.
I think this is a good pick. I'm disappointed that it is not Ryan, and I am hoping he doesn't fly the coup to Dallas for the HC spot. That is truly my only concern.
On the other reports that Sark is going to be our OC, I highly doubt it. He has the reigns at USC now. I think Trestman or Fassell will come in. I'd like to see Parcells come in as GM, but he may stick around in Dallas as GM and teach Jerry Jones a thing or five.
Just an opinion though, I see "Silver & Black" linings in the clouds of the 2006 season, as the sun shines toward 2007.
Don't forget either, that it was Lane Kiffin (not Chow) who designed pulling the Guards to block up the middle behind the center when Bush and White ran up the middle in 2005. Traditional blocking schemes have the Guards line up close to the center and push out, leaving the LB's to bullrush the Center, plugging the hole, and stopping the run. With this, the Tackles push down on the DT/NT with the Center, the DE's rush in (similar to a Screen play), and the Guards spurt through the hole first and hit the LB's (instead of rolling out, like on a Screen). It's truly brilliant!
That is why Chow liked Kiffin, his ability to innovate new plays, blocking schemes, etc to get the offense going, and the defenses guessing.
NICE! I like the move. It’s better than waiting for McDaniels (uncertain candidate and high PR risk), and hands down better than any retread out there.
It may have been nice to complete the duo with Sarkisian, but I can’t imagine Sark would accept a reversal of the coaching positions by coming back as OC.
Ryan is protected by Al. I just hope he doesn’t feel insulted by the move. Al probably explained to him that we need an O-minded coach to fix what ails us most. Ryan should continue to have carte blanche with the D, which will only get better with age (like a good wine).
The best hire we could have hoped to have made IMO.
We couldn't get anyone to the level we should be able to attract, BUT we also didn't hire a retread like Green.
I'm reasonably optimistic, Davis get a PASS grade on this hire, he's done well considering he's already scaredoff most potential suitors.
Now, Q U A R T E R B A C K.
Can Davis get this right too?
Jamarcus Rusell or Brady Quinn HAVE to be our pick @ #1, if we pass on QB again this year it will just be another oppurtunity and 2-3 years wasted.
If Vick comes in - forget it, we'll waste anothwr half decade.
What I like about Kiffin is he has experience coaching a multitude of positions - wide receivers, tight ends, O line, & defensive backs - before getting O/C duties. Having spent one season coaching in the NFL already, coupled with being the son of an NFL coach, should help. If he is truly as good of a communicator as people are saying then we have reason to be optimistic.
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