Oakland Raiders’ coaches vie for jobs in 2014
It has been another challenging season in Oakland, to say the least. The Raiders have lost five games in a row and 7 of their last 9 to bring them to 4-11 for the year. AFC No. 1 seed – currently — Denver looms this Sunday and regardless of the outcome, obviously, Oakland will have its’ 11th consecutive season without cracking the .500 mark.
But, according to ESPN’s John Clayton, the Raiders will have as much as $69 million in cap space in 2014 and the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is on the horizon. Whether or not to keep the current coaching staff, and whether or not they are the appropriate ones to help lead the team back to relevancy, is a looming question that Oakland will have to address with their upcoming riches.
Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver — among others on the current staff — believe that they are, according to a report from CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair.
"“The hand that the Oakland Raiders were handed when we stepped into this building was one where we couldn’t make a lot of moves,” Tarver said. “The moves that were made by this organization had to be made. And as you look at the progress and the process, you knew through this little window that there were going to be some dramatic ups and downs — not having an established quarterback, having 10 new starters on defense, et cetera — whatever the case may be.”"
Offensive coordinator Greg Olson echoed Tarver’s assertion that 2013 would bring a great deal of challenge.
"“As much as we all want to win right away — and we all want instant results — when we started the season we knew that we were a little bit challenged here now as a football team when you look at it,” Olson said. “I had a chance a year ago to be in Jacksonville and see that team’s personnel and then be here with the Raiders and say that we do have some challenges here now to overcome.” [CSN Bay Area]"
So what say you Raiders’ fans? Keep the current staff? Or, clean house along with the rest of the roster and start anew?