Raiders Ready To Hire Al Saunders??

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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.