Raiders ready to hire Saunders?

[Raiderz_00]

Raiders ready to hire Saunders?
<Jan. 13> The Raiders interviewed Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton on Thursday, but the Hall of Fame wideout is considerd a long shot for the job. In fact, Oakland's interview with Lofton, who is black, could be a sign that the team is close to hiring Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders. (NFL rules require teams to interview at least one minority candidate during a coaching search.)
The 58-year-old Saunders, who interviewed with the Raiders on Wednesday, has been the architect of a Kansas City offense that has led the NFL in touchdowns and total yards the past five seasons. He was a finalist for the Raiders' job in 2003, and also has Bay Area ties. He got his B.A. from San Jose State and his M.A. from Stanford before serving as an assistant coach at Cal for six seasons (1976-81).

Fresno State coach Pat Hill has been the only other name mentioned in connection with the Raiders.


From ESPN rUMOR mILL.

[coloradoraider]

Maybe now some of the members of this site will believe Willis? Now that a "credible" media source is basically saying what he told us 4 days ago.

[BIGMAC2570]

I am thinging the same thing.. although I am starting to lean towards them signing HILL and his OC...

so lets see what happens!

[Raiderz_00]

Originally Posted by coloradoraider

Maybe now some of the members of this site will believe Willis? Now that a "credible" media source is basically saying what he told us 4 days ago.

I believed him all along

[R8R'S ROCK]

I'm excited....I think Saunders is a good choice....he can make our offense put up points...hopefully he can also bring some discipline

[ekgraider]

i never doubted! Willis makes me look good with all my "insider info" my buddies cant figure out how i already know who the coach is. They didnt believe me when i said we were getting moss. It drives them nuts! thanks for the find!

[iheartraiders]

I am thinging the same thing.. although I am starting to lean towards them signing HILL and his OC...

does anyone know if pat hill was david carr's coach in college?

[Raider4Life]

Originally Posted by iheartraiders

does anyone know if pat hill was david carr's coach in college?

Yes Hill was the coach when Carr was here. Carr was first overall pick by the expansion Texans.
I live only 75 miles North of Fresno and I was student went Carr was there.

Here some info: http://gobulldogs.collegesports.com/...ill_pat00.html

[theRAIDERking]

Originally Posted by coloradoraider

Maybe now some of the members of this site will believe Willis? Now that a "credible" media source is basically saying what he told us 4 days ago.

Anyone who is or has been doubting Willis, probably doubted him becuase they dont want Saunders as head coach. Being a newbie to the site, all i have seen is the respected members of the site taking what Willis said to be very reliable. If this is the case, their is a reason for it.
So, rather than doubt Willis, thank him for the info he provides and be lucky that we have somebody like this on this forum. I know I am.

[live4slvr&blk]

Cant we just hire a real proven headcoach.. not these O.C's and give them a shot at headcoaching. No Diss to Saunders.. I just want a proven, headcoach who knows how to win.

[theRAIDERking]

Originally Posted by live4slvr&blk

Cant we just hire a real proven headcoach.. not these O.C's and give them a shot at headcoaching. No Diss to Saunders.. I just want a proven, headcoach who knows how to win.

who do you have in mind???? WHO would be your ideal HC?
Im saying, who that isnt already under contract?

[Raider Ran]

When I read the article on Lofton interview. It only solidified what I already knew that Willis had broke another story. Loftons interview was a move by the Raiders to satisfy the leagues minority requirement quickly so that they could offer Saunders a contract. The next voice you will hear is Al Davis introducing his new Head Coach Al Saunders. Lofton has never even been a Coordinator..he had no chance at the job.

[R8DRFN]

It was no secert that Saunders would be on the top of the list. He was almost hired twice by the Al Davis but turnned it down because he was told he would get the HC job when Dick V retired in KC. So lets not make Wills out to be GOD and like he is in Al davies circle. Anyone that has been following the Raiders knew this....its was a easy post saying the Raiders would hire him....odds where in Wills favor!!! I told many friends months ago when the rumors of Herm edwards going to KC started and it was clear Norv would be fired that the Raiders would go after Saunders.

[djh_raider]

While it has been denied that Lombardi met with Rivera in Chicago, I have it on good authority (a trustworthy conatct in Chicago) that they did meet (informally, Lombardi was sounding him out) and Rivera was not interested in the job. He basically "did not want to be under Al's control".

It is unfortunate that Lofton is being portrayed as the Raider "minority" candidate. James is held in VERY high regard by the organisation and the organisation would "love" to have James Lofton involved with the team in some role in 2006.

From what I have gleaned (and this may get me into trouble), Al Saunders is unsure whether he wants the HC role. Pat Hill seems to be "pimping" himself for the best role possible without having the Raiders interests in mind (or heart). He is good but we (the Raiders) want someone with the team at heart.

This may surprise some but it is possible that Art Shell may still be the HC, with Al Saunders as OC. This would suit so many of the relevant people's priorities. Look at Saunders to then take over when Art has had enough.

I am still waiting to hear about the DC role, but Keith Millard would be a great choice IMO.