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Marcus Robertson retained as Raiders defensive backs coach could signal return of Charles Woodson

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As the coaching staff in Oakland continues to fill out, the latest position filled is that of defensive backs coach. It will be Marcus Robertson becomes the first member of the previous coaching staff to be brought back, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Robertson was previously the team's assistant defensive backs coach.

His return to the team very likely means Charles Woodson will be back as well. The 38-year-old future Hall of Famer was deciding whether to return for his 17th NFL season and had said his return was highly dependent upon whether Robertson was here next season.

Robertson was a defensive back in the NFL for 12 seasons for the Oilers/Titans (1991-2000) and Seattle Seahawks (2001-02). He has been coaching defensive backs in the NFL for eight seasons with the Titans (2007-11), Lions (2012-13), and Raiders (2014).

Woodson had transitioned to safety in his first season in Oakland. Last season he took his play to another level despite another transition from free safety to strong safety and was named a Pro Bowl alternate as a result. He credited his successful transition to the instruction he received from Robertson in his one season with the Raiders.

It was high praise from a future Hall of Famer like Woodson. It was enough to earn Robertson the job. It also means we will very likely see Woodson return for at least one more season in Oakland.

For Robertson's part, as well as DB coach Joe Woods, Woodson isn't the only success story. The Raiders got surprisingly solid play from the likes of fellow safeties Brandian Ross and Larry Asante along with stellar play from some young corners including rookie seventh round pick T.J. Carrie who won a starting job late in the season.