Who will the Oakland Raiders finally hire as the Head Coach?
Oakland Raiders decided to bring in the director of football operations of Green Bay Packers, Reggie McKenzie as their next general manager and that move had serious repercussions for the unsuspecting coach, Hue Jackson, who could not have even thought of
what lied ahead for him in the future.
Jackson who had also been dispelling the responsibilities of a GM had least suspected what McKenzie would do.
The fact that every GM tries to bring his own man in as the head coach seem least disturbing to him.
"I know people say, 'If they hire a G.M. then he's going to want to bring in his head coach.' Whoever comes here, I think it's going to be somebody who wants to share the same vision as I do." Jackson said.
However, Jackson had been too optimistic. McKenzie had him sacked on the first day he took over as he spoke of bringing a change in the team, citing the need for a new “era”.
That firing has resulted in a long search being initiated by McKenzie who seems intent on bringing the best man in. No doubt that could be possibly the reason why his list of potential candidates for the head coach slot seems so long.
One of the strongest contenders appears to be the former Miami Dolphins’ interim head coach, Todd Bowles whom McKenzie has already interviewed. Bowles, who led his team 2-1 in the last three games he coached, turns out to be a strong possibility on account
of being a respected defence specialist.
The Raiders need to take shots at their fragile defence that has been at its worst and the main reason why they were eliminated from the playoffs. Bowles appears attractive in this regard even though McKenzie made it clear that the defensive or offensive
requirements will have not affect the choice of a new coach.
Other than Bowles, there are other strong contenders too. Four Green Bay Packers’ coaches, Joe Philbin, Winston Moss, Dom Capers and Tom Clements are being eyed by McKenzie in this regard,
Since McKenzie appears determined on building the team based on the Packers’ model, all these coaches have their chances as the next head coach strengthened.
McKenzie also intends to interview the offensive coordinator of Philadelphia Eagles, Marty Mornhinweg while he has also requested permission from Chicago Bears to interview their offensive coordinator, Mike Tice.
Tice has been recently promoted as the offensive coordinator from the offensive line coach position. He Tice has been the head coach of Minnesota Vikings from 2001 to 2005. He has also worked with the Jacksonville Jaguars for three years before joining the
Bears in 2010.
However, McKenzie will have to turn his attention away from him in case; the Bears who are known to be quite possessive of their officials turn down the request.
Recently, McKenzie interviewed the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, Dennis Allen who became available after his team lost to the New England Patriots last weekend..
Another Broncos’ coordinator, Mike McCoy whom McKenzie interviewed cancelled his interest and left for Miami.
The fact is that McKenzie has dwelt into a long search for the head coach slot that includes many strong candidates. To come up with a final single name may prove to be a tiring task. At present nothing can be said of sure as to who would end up as the future
head coach on account of the dubiousness prevailing due to so many possibilities.
All said, the hiring of Bowles or one of the Packers officials seems more imminent.
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