John Madden sits in on Raiders interview of Mike Shanahan

Oakland Raiders Hall of Fame coach John Madden sat in on the team’s recent interview of Mike Shanahan.

Just call him Don Madden.

The Godfather of the Oakland Raiders has played a role in the team’s search for a new head coach, as John Madden sat in during the recent interview of Mike Shanahan, which could show just how serious the Raiders are in bringing Shanahan back for a second stint as coach of the Silver and Black.

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While it’s not known how much of a role the 78-year-old Madden has in the team’s hunt for its ninth coach since 2002, the fact that the team has him involved at all is certainly a sign of respect of Madden, who coached the team from 1969-78 and led the Raiders to the first of their three Super Bowl wins after the 1976 season.

It’s not the first time Madden has been involved in the team’s front office decisions. He sat in during the Raiders’ 2012 interview of Reggie McKenzie, who was eventually named general manager.

Interim coach Tony Sparano will interview for the job on Wednesday, the latest among the potential candidates that includes Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and 49ers assistant Eric Mangini. However, Shanahan provides the most intrigue.

Shanahan earned his head coaching job with the Raiders in 1988 and was fired four games into the 1989 season. He’s had the last laugh since, winning two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos during his 14-season stint with the club. Shanahan took the 2014 season off after being fired from the Washington Redskins after four years.

Former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio’s name has also drawn serious interest from the Raiders, who also requested permission to talk with Cowboys passing game coordinator Scott Linehan.

The Raiders were left ‘impressed’ with Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton following a Sunday evening meeting, according to ESPN. Hamilton’s stock is on the rise due to his work with quarterback Andrew Luck, a successful style that the Raiders hope could work with Derek Carr. The Bills are also reported high on Hamilton, as they are in search of a coach who can get 2013 first round pick E.J. Manuel turned around.

It’s Oakland, so don’t assume the obvious answer. There’s always the possibility that none of the names mentioned here could end up with the job, so stayed tuned. Raiders fans are hoping that whoever is named coach will be successful enough to stick around for more than a season or two.

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