Does No Sark Equal Kiffin?

by saint on Jan 22, 2007 8:39 AM PST in News Comment 9 comments

There are many ways to try and slice this pie.

A) He was offered the job and he chose to turn it down.

B) The team became enamoured with Kiffin after Sark pumped him up for two weeks.

C) Sark saw that his heart was in college ball, and perhaps his place and respectfully declined.

I am HOPING that it was "B".

I am hoping that Lane came in and really put the razzle-dazzle on Lord Al.

It would be a case of being passed over by a friend, but if Lane Kiffin did indeed impress Lord Al that much, then he would be a great hire.

He is the son of the former Defensive Coordinator for Tampa, Monte Kiffin, and has led a pretty stellar offense in Southern Cal after Norm Chow's departure.

He is scheduled to reinterview today, so here's hoping that he is the call!!!

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No way!

The ball has started to roll. WE are going down the same slippery slope the the management went last year when they hired Shell.

When is Al Davis going to get it? HIS TEAM IS NOT RELEVANT ANYMORE!

By going "retro" last year, we saw the worst offense in the NFL EVER! And I am including the 76' Buccaneers.

At this point, Davis has basically written off Sarkisian, Lofton and our intrepid defensive coordinator? Who's left?

Dan Reeves? Please. Davis' ability to neuter coaches is the reason why Gruden isn't here anymore. The question is when Davis will have the cajones to handle a strong personality and not feel as if he has to still coach.

SHell? Now there's a thought, but he looked like a eunic by the end of the season as offense went south.

Trestman I would be amazed but you never know. He's a bright guy vilified in SF but really did a decent job while here a few years back.

All I know is that this process is depressing. Whatever happened to "pride and poise"? All we have left is a little noise.

by PrideandNoise on Jan 22, 2007 2:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I don't see the team as irrelevant, I see it as

just the opposite. Everyone the Raiders have brought in have been hired, and been succesful. Which means Al still knows what makes a good coach, but he won't release the reigns and give them more control. Jerry Jones learned that when he brought in Jimmy Johnson, let's hope Al does. We were one of the first to interview Payton, we were one of the first to intervies Petrino, and we were the only ones to intervies Sark. He will be an NFL head coach soon, now. The rest of the league looks to who Al interviews, and then when Al doesn't give them the autonomy they need, they swoop in. Al can still pick'em, but needs to let them do what he hires them to do.

by theblackpearl on Jan 22, 2007 2:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It wouldn't hurt if he also, PAID them! :)

Pride And Poise!!!

by saint on Jan 22, 2007 3:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What part of 2-14 makes them relevant?

Yesterday's indy game reminded me of what Casper and Stabler did to the Colts 30 yrs ago (damn I'm old). The Raider interviews tell me one thing, Al can still spot talent, but it's been a long long time since he has been able to keep it. Until he keeps it and the team does well, will the Raiders become relevant. Believe me, I am in profound pain watching this organization becoming the laughing stock of the NFL. This team had a great past and I would love to see a return of the "greatness of the Raiders".

by PrideandNoise on Jan 22, 2007 4:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take it that you chose:

"Darth Raider" In the poll!!! :)

I feel your pain though, I get it daily here in the office..."Al Davis is killing your team!!!", "How does it feel to be a fan of the worst franchise in pro sports"...

I just have faith that this ship will turn...(Saint crosses his fingers that it is sooner rather than later)

Pride And Poise!!!

by saint on Jan 22, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A Combination of A and C

is my answer to your multiple choice question.

I like that Lane is the son of a football lifer and has learned from the brightest minds in college football (Jeff Tedford while at Fresno State & Norm Chow while at USC).

Onward & upward!

by Calico Jack on Jan 23, 2007 7:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

A year ago

The Saints were one of the worst franchises in football, no one is saying that now. All that stuff is just talk by people who don't know what they are talking about. The Raiders are one good QB from being a good team. If their offense had done anything last season the Raiders would have won 8 games or more. One good draft, a free agent here or there and this team will be very good. Everyone is praising the 49ers for their progress, but they play in the inferior conference with a patsy schedule, the Raiders get to play Denver, SD and KC twice a year, their road to success is much more difficult, but they play those teams very close, there is not that big a gap for the Raiders to close. They need much more speed on the offense to be successful.

by chinabob on Jan 23, 2007 8:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I wish it were so easy

The Saints analogy is interesting b/c they already had a decent running game with Deuce McALlister, but they added 2 offensive weapons in Brees and Bush. Their receivers became more productive a result of Brees ability to spread the ball. It didn't hurt they had a good offensive minded coach to guide them. A lot of things feell in place at the same time.

The Raiders will disect their difficulties beginning with the offensive line. I assume Gallery will move back to RT as he can not be considered an anchor in a positive sense. Thier blocking scheme will return to the 21st century, thus it will take time for the unit to look cohesive. Langston Walker will not return as he has filed for FA. The Raiders have a weak running game and their receivers are the most indifferent malcontents to be found this side of Singsing. To top it off, the division they play gives up absolutely no room for error.

So am I hopeful? Actually yes, but in small increments. I am afraid Kiffin will have to win me over and I'll be a little more discerning than Al.

by PrideandNoise on Jan 23, 2007 8:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs