Oakland Raiders fire four assistant coaches after the end of the 2012 season – NFL News
Oakland Raiders went into firing spree as they fired four members of the coaching staff a day after the 2012 season ended.
Raiders head coach Dennis Allen announced on Monday, December 31, 2012 that the team has fired offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, linebackers coach Johnny Holland, special teams coordinator Steve Hoffman and offensive line coach Frank Pollack.
All the four assistant coaches have faced similar fortunes their predecessors had faced last season after being shown the door just hours following the end of the regular season. According to the Associated Press, Allen said:
"I'm not in this for a one-year deal. I'm in this long term. I'm in this to build this thing the right way. And I'm excited about looking forward to the future and where this organization is going to go."
Allen gave the stance that despite putting up decent coaching team when he stepped up as head coach last season, the team desperately needed some overhaul.
Raiders have finished the 2012 season with just four wins as compared to eight victories they had in the 2011 season. Allen further said:
"Obviously, I believe in continuity. I think that's the way you're able to sustain success in this league is through continuity. But I also know that at some point we're looking for the results and we have to have the results. This is a win-now business
no matter how much patience we're looking for."
Allen went on to say that he has no intentions to make further changes in the coaching team and wants to build up a good atmosphere to help the new comers adjust in the team.
The biggest surprise was Allen himself keeping his position as Raiders have already replaced six coaches in last nine seasons including Tom Cable and Hue Jackson who both lost the job after 8-8 record in 2010 and 2011 seasons respectively.
Allen has been criticised for changing the offensive system which has been working successfully and the new scheme failed to live up to the expectations.
This seems to be the reason behind sacking Knapp who introduced the zone scheme in rushing game which did not have much success.
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