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Report: Running backs coach Kirby Wilson retires

Jon Gruden has a sudden opening on his staff

NFL: Oakland Raiders-OTA Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders have a sudden opening on their coaching staff just 11 days before the team reports to training camp.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Friday that running backs coach Kirby Wilson has told the team he is retiring.

Wilson, 59, has long been one of the most respected running backs coaches in the NFL. His Raiders’ players loved playing for him and he has coached with the team for the past two years. He became an NFL coach in 1997 and has coached for eight different teams, including under Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002 to ‘03.

The Raiders have yet to announce a replacement. With training camp fast approaching and with the offseason work already in the books, the best bet is Gruden will promote someone already on the staff. Candidates could include quality control coach Tim Berbenich, offensive assistant Taver Johnson and senior offensive assistant John Morton.