Raiders Hire L. Kiffin as Coach
Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis couldn't get one of USC's co-offensive coordinators as his head coach. So he got the other.
Davis hired Lane Kiffin as the Raiders' coach Monday night. Kiffin, the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, becomes the NFL's youngest head coach, at 31.
He ran the offense at USC with Steve Sarkisian, the school's quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator. Sarkisian, who's 32, withdrew from consideration for the Raiders' job last week after having a second interview.
Kiffin interviewed last week and it was thought then that the Raiders were talking to him about accompanying Sarkisian to the Bay Area to serve as the club's offensive coordinator. But the Raiders brought him back for another interview Sunday and then hired him.
Kiffin has one season of NFL coaching experience. He was a defensive quality control assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2000.
The Raiders also interviewed former San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton, former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel and their own defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan. It's thought that they'd like to retain Ryan to run their defense but it's unclear if Ryan will stay after being passed over for the head coaching job.
By Mark Maske |
January 23, 2007; 9:48 AM ET
| Category:
Raiders
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Posted by: BoltsFan | January 23, 2007 10:24 AM
Thanks for the unbiased opinion there Boltsfan. (since you are a Chargers fan, I will point out that the statement was dripping with sarcasm)
I still think Ryan should've been given the job. He's done a remarkable job with the defense (ranked #3. Impressive considering how much they were on the field) and the players really liked him (something I think is necessary with malcontents like Moss and Brooks) I'm really surprised he didn't get brought in for any other HC openings.
As far as Kiffin goes, it sounds like he did more of the play calling than Sarkisian, so he might be the better choice.
We'll see. He can't possibly do much worse than Shell 2 - Electric Boogaloo.
Posted by: BF | January 23, 2007 11:49 AM
Keep this Raiders soap opera in mind for 2008 when Danny "The East Coast Al" Snyder hires some no name assistant coach from VA Tech or Maryland.
Posted by: Realist | January 23, 2007 12:51 PM
No slam intended on Kiffin - his stats look as good or better than anybody else who was interviewed.
I agree that Ryan should have been promoted. His defense kept the Raiders in most of their games. The problem was mostly the offensive side of the ball.
Actually, the slam was more directed towards Al Davis - since he canned one of the better coaches he has ever had (twice) I wouldn't bet on job security if he doesn't turn things around next year.
Only getting one year to turn around a franchise is a joke - sorta like Danny canning Marty. Sure Marty started 0-5, but he finished 8-8 which was quite an accomplishment. Danny rewarded him with his walking papers.
I am pulling for Kiffin to succeed. I like good football games and the Raiders need to get back to where the were a few years ago.
AFC West if Best!
Posted by: BoltsFan | January 23, 2007 3:00 PM
Hey, classy comments Boltsfan -- thanks. I was born in SD County, so I was pulling for your guys. I think the match-up just didn't work out -- I think the Chargers would've stomped the Colts and ditto for the Ravens and Pats. I would've loved to see the Ravens and Bolts in the championship.
Anyway, as a near life-long Raider fan, I think your comments are right about Davis. The game has clearly passed him by -- he's been our main problem of late. I hate to say it.
I'm pulling for Kiffen, while not getting my hopes up.
Posted by: RaiderFan | January 23, 2007 5:18 PM
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Poor guy. See ya next year (twice, maybe - don't unpack your bags for a while).