T-post Tom
01-29-2009, 11:04 PM
Inside the Oakland Raiders: Hackett could ascend
By Jerry McDonald
INSIDE THE OAKLAND RAIDERS
Posted: 01/29/2009 04:50:12 PM PST
It seems clear the Raiders have no plans to name their head coach, presumably Tom Cable, until after the Super Bowl.
Other a confirmation that an interview with defensive coordinator John Marshall has come and gone _ without comment as to its substance _ the club had no announcements planned Thursday.
A couple of things worth noting:
Al Saunders remains the lone known candidate to have interviewed to be offensive coordinator, and there is no word on whether he has been offered the job or will accept it if offered.
If Saunders doesn't work out, chances are Paul Hackett, whom the club announced as quarterbacks coach Wednesday would be elevated to offensive coordinator and the club would hire another quarterbacks coach.
Having both Saunders and Hackett would give the Raiders a wealth of offensive knowledge upon which to draw. Saunders from the Don Coryell tree, favoring more of a downfield attack, while the offenses under Hackett have been more ball-control in nature.
Hackett, whose reputation has been excellent in terms of quarterback fundamentals, has drawn criticism with both the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets for his conservative play-calling, particularly on third-down pass plays which wind up short of the first down marker.
Although Marc Trestman’s name has been speculated as an offensive coordinator candidate, the Raiders have not confirmed any contact with their former assistant. Trestman is head coach of the Montreal Alouettes, who lost the Grey Cup to the Calgary Stampeders.
Linebackers coach Mike Haluchak is believed to be extremely close to reaching a deal to fill the spot vacated by Don Martindale.
Haluchak was also being pursued in Carolina by John Fox to replace Ken Flajole, who left to become the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams under Steve Spagnuolo.
By Jerry McDonald
INSIDE THE OAKLAND RAIDERS
Posted: 01/29/2009 04:50:12 PM PST
It seems clear the Raiders have no plans to name their head coach, presumably Tom Cable, until after the Super Bowl.
Other a confirmation that an interview with defensive coordinator John Marshall has come and gone _ without comment as to its substance _ the club had no announcements planned Thursday.
A couple of things worth noting:
Al Saunders remains the lone known candidate to have interviewed to be offensive coordinator, and there is no word on whether he has been offered the job or will accept it if offered.
If Saunders doesn't work out, chances are Paul Hackett, whom the club announced as quarterbacks coach Wednesday would be elevated to offensive coordinator and the club would hire another quarterbacks coach.
Having both Saunders and Hackett would give the Raiders a wealth of offensive knowledge upon which to draw. Saunders from the Don Coryell tree, favoring more of a downfield attack, while the offenses under Hackett have been more ball-control in nature.
Hackett, whose reputation has been excellent in terms of quarterback fundamentals, has drawn criticism with both the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets for his conservative play-calling, particularly on third-down pass plays which wind up short of the first down marker.
Although Marc Trestman’s name has been speculated as an offensive coordinator candidate, the Raiders have not confirmed any contact with their former assistant. Trestman is head coach of the Montreal Alouettes, who lost the Grey Cup to the Calgary Stampeders.
Linebackers coach Mike Haluchak is believed to be extremely close to reaching a deal to fill the spot vacated by Don Martindale.
Haluchak was also being pursued in Carolina by John Fox to replace Ken Flajole, who left to become the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams under Steve Spagnuolo.