Al Davis asks Kiffin to step down (1 Viewer)

[wadegarrett]

jesus ####### christ.

jesus ####### christ!!!!!!!

just ####### die already!!!!

JESUS ####### CHRIST!!!!

 

[redman]

Wow someone out-stupids Snyder

And people wonder why Norv struggled as a head coach.

This was why I thought Norv was insane for taking that Raiders job when he was hired. It was a dumb, dumb move that had no chance of working for him.

 

[Couch Potato]

This would cement the Raiders' status (& Al Davis in particular) as laughingstock of the NFL. Unreal. Clearly Emperor Al is only able to surround himself with yes men.

At 155 years old he's still better than Matt Millen.

At least the Ford family has an excuse for neglecting football and sticking with Millen. They are losing gazillions in their main business and their focus has to be in turning that around, not so much in worrying about how many 1st round WRs their dum-dum GM drafts.

 

[redman]

This would cement the Raiders' status (& Al Davis in particular) as laughingstock of the NFL. Unreal. Clearly Emperor Al is only able to surround himself with yes men.

At 155 years old he's still better than Matt Millen.

At least the Ford family has an excuse for neglecting football and sticking with Millen. They are losing gazillions in their main business and their focus has to be in turning that around, not so much in worrying about how many 1st round WRs their dum-dum GM drafts.

You don't suppose Millen is running the auto company too, do you?

 

[Gopher State]

Mike Tice would be good, maybe he could install the Porter Ratio

 

[Fiddles]

wow a franchise worse off than the falcons

didnt think that was possible

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

This is the darkest moment in Raider history, IMO. After Shell was gone, and the Raiders had no coach and the first pick, I thought it was the most pivotal offseason in Raider history.They hired an unknown at coach, and drafted Russell. I was on board with Russell, and unsure about the coach. Kiffin made no major mistakes that I noticed. The Raiders had a good offseason (Quentin Moses notwithstanding), made smart FA pickups, and hired decent coaches. They managed to control the clock with McCown and Culpepper at QB. He stuck to his guns, and had Russell sit early in the year. His O-line guru, Tom Cable, took an all-time bad O-line, and made them slightly above average. Justin Fargas was a solid starter. And the team never quit, showing fire in December, and winning division games for the first time in forever.After all this, we're gonna lose this guy? Kiffin might have been laughed at when he was hired, but he did a great, job. Not a good job, a great job. It was the defense that let them down. And like most things, there was more than one culprit. Stu Schweigert missed tackles. Morrison and Howard had trouble shedding blocks. Terdell Sands disappeared. Burgess wasn't healthy all year. And yes, Rob Ryan didn't show much. Little innovation, scheming, disguising, blitzing, or stunting. He was liked by the players, but big deal. History shows that the team favorite isn't always the guy for the job. So Kiffin, the head coach, wanted to replace his DC. The guy is 32 years old. No, he shouldn't have carte blanche. I don't think most coaches should. But after the DC that was foisted upon him lays an egg like that, he should be able to go into battle with his own guys. After all, it's his job on the line. And their defense lost them at least 3 games this year.I see no light at the end of the tunnel. All the boring pot shots I am reading are deserved 100%.

Very What boggles my mind is how this can be conductive to restoring the franchise to a level of respectability. The past five years have been painful to say the least. He's getting way up there in age and now he hires a young, promising HC, who has shown signs of improving a young team and now AD decides for whatever reason he has to bring back turmoil in the organization. I mean, what kind of signal is this to the team anyway?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I`m not saying this is`nt true....but consider who reported this story

Rob has a contract with the Raiders and he'll be back. He'll be our coordinator and we're excited about that." Lane Kiffin I'll be back, absolutely. If they want to win a championship, they've got to keep us both together. Everything's been cool. Some reporters don't know s- so they make a story out of nothing. But no, me and Lane have been cool ever since he got hired. Rob Ryan The Oakland Raiders denied a report Friday that owner Al Davis asked coach Lane Kiffin to resign.ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported that Davis drew up a resignation letter for Kiffin two weeks ago, but the coach refused to sign it. Kiffin has two years left on the contract he signed last January."There is no issue here," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. "There was never an issue here. There's nothing to it."Kiffin declined to address the report when asked about it by ESPN at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala."I'm not going to comment on anything that has transpired in the past three weeks," said Kiffin, who is coaching the North team in the college all-star game.Speculation about Kiffin's status began three weeks ago after reports surfaced following the season that he wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The Raiders dismissed those reports and announced that Ryan was staying on as coordinator.Kiffin told reporters at the Senior Bowl earlier in the week that his relationship with Ryan "is not an issue."Kiffin is scheduled to interview former San Diego Chargers receivers coach James Lofton on Monday for a potential job on the Raiders' staff, Herrera said.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

AND MORE.......

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Friday, January 25th, 2008 at 3:44 pm in Oakland Raiders.

James Lofton will interview with the Raiders for the third time in three years Monday.

According to senior executive John Herrera, Lofton will interview as a position coach with head coach Lane Kiffin.

The same Kiffin who reportedly is locked in a “fire/resign” battle of wills with owner Al Davis.

Herrera insists the Kiffin-Davis feud isn’t the juicy story ESPN’s Chris Mortensen made it out to be.

“It’s not an issue. Lane’s the coach. It’s not an issue,” Herrera said. “I think the one accurate thing he said is that James Lofton will be interviewed. He will be _ as a position coach _ and he will do it with Lane on Monday because that’s when he gets back from Mobile and the Senior Bowl.”

Herrera also refuted the notion that Kiffin has been stripped of all personnel authority and control of his staff, conceding only that Davis was “irritated” when rumors of Kiffin’s interest in Arkansas surfaced four games before the end of the season.

“But that’s ancient history and this is now,” Herrera said. “There has never been any question about Lane being the coach. It hasn’t been an issue.”

Herrera also said Dennis Green has not been contacted by the club, noting that Green already said he hasn’t been contacted and that his name is always connected to the Raiders.

Lofton was fired this week as wide receivers coach of the San Diego Chargers. He interviewed for the head coaching positons that went to Art Shell and Norv Turner.

Kiffin has done nothing to refute the reports, saying, “I’m not going to comment on anything that’s transpired in the last three weeks.”

That three-week time frame coincides with the Raiders issuing a release saying Rob Ryan was still the defensive coordinator

LET IT GO HATERS....nothing to see here

 

[BustedKnuckles]

ESPN

Every

Story

Propogates

Nonsense

 

[kaso]

Well I have to say that I am disgusted. I try my best to not buy in to or believe the Raider reports that normally come out during the offseason about the Raider organization. But at 3+ weeks this just won't go away. And I am starting to believe that there is a real issue there.

And that confuses me. Asided from the reported issue of Kiffin wanting Ryan to be removed from the team, I cannot think of one item that Kiffin did or didn't do to upset Davis enough to force this type of action.

He double the wins. Restored some hope in to the fan base and had the players playing for him. He found some depth at the RB position. He got the O-line working again under Cable. And he seemed to cut down on the number of penalties the Raiders had come to draw every game.

And this was done with a defence that greatly underproduced in comparision to the year before. Oh and with 3 QBs who were either injured or playing with a limited play book (Cpep and Russell) for the majority of their games.

Unreal.

I have spent that last number of years standing behind Davis and his dumb decisions. But this is it. This is the last straw. If Kiffin is dismissed or walks Davis needs to be replaced.

The team requires consistancy. From the top level down. As long as Davis is there, there is no consistancy at the HC level. And that is a combination that will never produce regardless of the quality of players they can find in the draft or free agency.

Davis wants to win, but he needs to pull his tired old hand off the button so it can happen.

 

[drummer]

This is from the SF Chronicle

-- Raiders owner Al Davis is locked in a nasty standoff with Lane Kiffin after informing the second-year head coach in a letter received by Kiffin early last week that he no longer has any control of coaching or personnel moves within the organization.

Angry over the team's 4-12 finish and furious at the success achieved this season by former Raiders receiver Randy Moss - Davis believes Kiffin forced 2007's giveaway draft day trade of Moss to New England for a fourth-round draft pick - the powerful owner is now doing all he can to pressure his hand-picked head coach to resign.

Kiffin hasn't been fired, NFL sources confirmed, because Davis does not want to pay him $4 million in salary, the remaining guaranteed balance of the five-year contract (three years plus two club option years) the coach signed when he was hired on Jan. 22, 2007 to replace Art Shell.

Davis reluctantly paid the $2 million remaining on Shell's deal after the Hall of Fame lineman was sacked as head coach on Jan. 4, 2007 following the Raiders' 2-14 finish. It was the second time in 13 years that Davis fired Shell as the Raiders head coach.

To avoid a similar payoff to Kiffin, Davis has gone on the offensive to force Kiffin to leave the Raiders on his own, stripping him of every bit of authority promised to the coach when he was hired.

The letter submitted last week to Kiffin amounts to a "you are on notice" declaration, informing the coach that neither he nor his closest ally at the Raiders, director of football development Mark Jackson, will be involved in the scouting, planning or selecting of players in the NFL Draft.

Kiffin also was informed that he will not be involved in the free agent meetings and that he no longer is in charge of his own coaching staff. He may not hire or fire coaches, nor can he order anyone in the Raiders organization to do anything without the permission of the General Partner, that being Davis.

Said an NFL source with direct knowledge of the letter, "Now you know why that place is such a mess right now."

The letter was the first contact between Davis and Kiffin in more than a week, numerous NFL sources confirmed. Davis met individually with each member of the coaching staff on Jan 2. At that time, Kiffin was told that embattled defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would remain on the staff, over the head coach's objections.

Kiffin had spoken openly about his disappointment with the Raiders' defense in 2007, which finished 25th overall in the NFL and 31st against the pass. After the Raiders lost the regular season finale 30-17 to the Chargers, it was widely expected that Ryan and defensive line coach Keith Millard would be fired.

Ryan, it was assumed, would quickly land a job on the staff of his friend Eric Mangini as the Jets defensive coordinator. But Mangini never fired coordinator Bob Sutton, and Davis overruled Kiffin on Ryan's dismissal.

While coaches on Kiffin's staff are expressing concern about their futures in light of Davis' latest power play, Raiders CEO Amy Trask denied that Kiffin has been stripped of his authority over his staff and the roster.

"His authority remains unchanged," Trask said last week when asked if Kiffin had lost any personnel control of the team and whether there was a rift between the owner and coach. "That's simply not true. He has all the authority he had when he was hired. The authority he has or had under his original contract remains unchanged."

By abruptly stripping Kiffin of that authority, the coach and his agent, Gary Uberstine, could have a strong case for a breach-of-contract grievance, a complaint that would be filed with the NFL office. "That would be an easy case to him to win," an NFL source said.

Reached Friday, Urberstine said he had no comment about the ongoing situation in Oakland.

The honeymoon between the Raiders' managing general partner and the NFL's youngest head coach didn't figure to last. The team has not had a winning season since 2002, and Kiffin was determined to change the losing culture. He retooled the roster, asserted himself during the draft and demanded more discipline from a franchise that had long been a players' paradise.

Davis, 78, traditionally has been the final authority on all decisions regarding the Raiders' organization. That he eventually would balk at Kiffin's eagerness to take charge of a flailing franchise should come as no surprise.

Initially, Davis had nothing but lofty praise for Kiffin when he hired the 31-year-old former USC offensive coordinator to succeed Shell.

But Davis' infatuation with Kiffin soured as soon the 2007 NFL Draft, when Kiffin pushed the owner to dump an uncooperative Moss, who happened to be the owner's prized receiver. The Green Bay Packers made overtures to acquire Moss before the draft but Davis was reluctant to close a deal.

On April 29, Davis contends that Kiffin insisted that Moss be dealt to the Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round pick. That selection, the 110th overall, turned out to be cornerback John Bowie, a player who was activated for only two games last season, played in one game and made one tackle.

Davis closely monitored the resurrection of Moss, who went on to catch an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes in the 2007 regular season. During the Raiders trip to Green Bay on Dec. 9, Davis and his entourage were riding the press box elevator to the locker room level. They watched Moss catch a touchdown pass on the flatscreen television monitor inside the elevator.

"Dammit - why couldn't he do that for us?" Davis was overheard saying. Moss caught seven passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns in that win over the Steelers. In two seasons with the Raiders, Moss caught 11 touchdowns.

link

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Unbelievable.

 

[Autumn Wind]

LET IT GO HATERS....nothing to see here

Didn't they strongly deny that Shell was going to be fired when Adam Schefter reported it last year?

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

LET IT GO HATERS....nothing to see here

Didn't they strongly deny that Shell was going to be fired when Adam Schefter reported it last year?

Don't they always deny, well, pretty much everything?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

LET IT GO HATERS....nothing to see here

Didn't they strongly deny that Shell was going to be fired when Adam Schefter reported it last year?

Don't they always deny, well, pretty much everything?

If the wheels were falling off as fast as the media is reporting why are both Kiffin AND Ryan disputing all these rumors...if they want out that bad i would think going public would speed up the process.

 

[Barry Jive and The Uptown Five]

The timing of this is weird. It's about four weeks after the Raiders played their last game of the season, and nearly all of the head coaching vacancies have been filled with (presumably) the best candidates out there. Something must have happened in the interim that caused this, no? The only thing that I can think of that could reasonably brought this about would be offseason draft and personnel preparations, and (speculating here of course) diverging views on the course of the team. Have there been any reports of stuff like this in Raiderland over the last month?

I think Big Al is really pissed that Kiff hasn't been in the office this week. Pretty pissed that the guy is just not coming into work without calling and at least FAKING an illness.

 

[Hedgehog]

maybe Raider fans and Knick fans can take their owners on a "drive" to the NJ Pine Barrens......

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Can't Al play hardball here and demote Kiffin to Assistant Waterboy, still having to pay his salary?

Humiliating Kiffin is an option Al Davis is well capable of doing (Marcus Allen?)

 

[redman]

LET IT GO HATERS....nothing to see here

Didn't they strongly deny that Shell was going to be fired when Adam Schefter reported it last year?

Don't they always deny, well, pretty much everything?

If the wheels were falling off as fast as the media is reporting why are both Kiffin AND Ryan disputing all these rumors...if they want out that bad i would think going public would speed up the process.

Everyone is playing this cool right now. Ryan has less of a reason than anyone to get involved in this, and he's been guaranteed a job, so he's set. Meanwhile Davis and Kiffin appear to be playing an elaborate game of chicken, with Kiffin using his guaranteed salary as his leverage while Davis uses his ability to strip Kiffin of personnel input as his. I wouldn't expect people to be coming out and bashing each other given what's being reported.

 

[Chadstroma]

How does this kind of crap equal bringing the Raiders back to a winning team in that old bat's head? This is depressing.

 

[Autumn Wind]

If the wheels were falling off as fast as the media is reporting why are both Kiffin AND Ryan disputing all these rumors...if they want out that bad i would think going public would speed up the process.

Don't forget that Kiffin and Ryan are coaching at the Senior Bowl, so it was unlikely that a final decision would be made until the game was played.

 

[Gopher State]

Raiders deny report that team asked Kiffin to resign

(AP) — The Oakland Raiders denied a report Friday that owner Al Davis asked coach Lane Kiffin to resign.

ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported that Davis drew up a resignation letter for Kiffin two weeks ago, but the coach refused to sign it. Kiffin has two years left on the contract he signed last January.

"There is no issue here," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. "There was never an issue here. There's nothing to it."

Kiffin declined to address the report when asked about it by ESPN at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

"I'm not going to comment on anything that has transpired in the past three weeks," said Kiffin, who is coaching the North team in the college all-star game.

Speculation about Kiffin's status began three weeks ago after reports surfaced following the season that he wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The Raiders dismissed those reports and announced that Ryan was staying on as coordinator.

Kiffin told reporters at the Senior Bowl earlier in the week that his relationship with Ryan "is not an issue."

Kiffin is scheduled to interview former San Diego Chargers receivers coach James Lofton on Monday for a potential job on the Raiders' staff, Herrera said.

Lofton, who was fired earlier this week by San Diego, interviewed for the head coaching job in Oakland the previous two years. Lofton lost out to Art Shell in 2006 and to Kiffin last year.

Kiffin, 32, was the youngest man to coach a game in the NFL since Harland Svare took over the Los Angeles Rams as a 31-year old in 1962. He overhauled almost the entire coaching staff after he arrived, hiring 14 new assistants.

The team went 4-12 in his first season in Oakland, doubling the team's win total from the previous year and showing signs of improvement in many areas.

But the defense under Ryan struggled despite returning all 11 starters as well as some key reserves from a unit that allowed the fewest yards passing and third fewest total yards in the league in 2006.

 

[Despyzer]

The Raiders can put out as many denials as they want. We have seen them repeatedly deny reports before that ended up being completely factual - even as recently as last year around this time. It seems even many of the Raider-faithful do not place much value in a Raider denial. This won't go away until it actually happens or until Kiffin survives past mid-April.

 

[redman]

The Raiders can put out as many denials as they want. We have seen them repeatedly deny reports before that ended up being completely factual - even as recently as last year around this time. It seems even many of the Raider-faithful do not place much value in a Raider denial. This won't go away until it actually happens or until Kiffin survives past mid-April.

Davis has been lying for his own benefit for decades. @ anyone who is still willing to take him for his word.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

''I got nowhere else to go.....i got no where else to go''

http://www.profootballtalk.com/KiffinMayo.jpg

 

[BustedKnuckles]

K Morrison was on Sirius and he said to wait to see what happens because he just talked to Ryan and Kiffin and everything was fine. Porter and Curry also said this is 100% new news to them. You would think they would have some idea. Time will tell.

 

[redman]

''I got nowhere else to go.....i got no where else to go''

http://www.profootballtalk.com/KiffinMayo.jpg

 

[Blue-Kun]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around.

At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

 

[Bojang0301]

I haven't read this entire thread but I will say this up until before the 2007 season I would say PFT was not credible but they are not just throwing peices of poop at the wall... they are the first to break stories even if they do it in untactful ways. I am a convert.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fanxxx ooo

 

[Bojang0301]

I've been a Raiders fan my whole life and am proud to call myself a fan. That being said, I concur that it's time for Davis to step down.No doubt, he was a pioneer for the league and great for the game.....years and years ago. All good things must come to an end and suffice it to say, it's time for him to gakland has a very good defense, and if they can shore up their line to stop the run, the D isn't too far away from being elite. I love Russell's potential and in today's day and age, it shouldn't take much to turn the offense around, especially since you already have your franchise QB and some very good WR's. Al should walk away with whatever dignity he can muster and let the healing process begin. For the team and its fans, who have sufferred grievously these past several years...I'm here to tell ya.

Im aware of the concept of optimism but wow.. what planet are you living on... your D is far from elite... good... but not elite... but you don't have good receivers and russell has yet to prove he's a franchise QB... he can be the next byron leftwhich as far as everybody is concerned... what did he start.. 1 game?... and the receiving corps of porter, curry and mike williams is far from good... actually far from bad... just terrible. The only player on that whole offense that has shown a bit of talent is justin fargas... and to see if he can keep his play up is TBD... you have 1 million holes in that offense that should take at least 2-3 seasons to mend.. thats saying nobody makes any bad decisions in drafts/free agency etc... and that's if russell even pans out as a NFL QB.and if i was kiffin... id take the resignation and run... far.. away... from the radddassss

For all of you Raider-bashers out there......The NFL currently is pretty much leveled out as far as talent, i.e. parity reigns supreme. And the Raiders don't have any more holes as most any other team. And with regards to FA, the Raiders have proven to ALWAYS be one of the more active teams in going out to acquire guys who can make a difference. And whether it works out or not, ala Randy Moss, no one can ever question that Boss Al will not stand pat. He goes and gets talent. Check the resume haters.Rich Gannon.......League MVP and Super Bowl QBTy Wheatly....resurrected career in OAKL.Jordan.....one big season, was worth the risk at the time Eric Turner....great addition...R.I.P.Rod Woodson.....productive, playmaker for a time in OAKDerrick Burgess.......top sack artist, once he got to OAK, most of ya probably never even heard of him before thatJ.Hostetler......tough, savvy leaderW.Sapp.....still productive despite what the perception wasEric Allen.......Future HOFer, Pro Bowl caliber play in OAK for a couple of seasonsJerry Rice.....need I say moreAnd there are a litany of other great acquisitions that have occurred under Al a bit further back. The main point I'm making here is that in today's NFL it's much easier than in the past to go from the bottom towards the top of the pile in 1 SEASON, not 2-3, than ever before. And if any team that I'd bank on pulling it off, it's tha Rayyyyyy-duhhhhs! 'Cause the Boss doesn't stand pat.F*%# Lane Kiffin, if the reports of him jockeying for the Arkansas and Michigan jobs were accurate, which I'll believe the franchise's side of it and take this as true, then that type of disloyalty will not fly in Al's book, nor in mine if I'm running any organization.......Don't be sitting there stupified and made to look like a dope like Arthur Blank due to your HC manuevering behind your back for another job. This gesture is a way for the young lad to save face here. Who the hell was Kiffin anyway before Al took a risk and gave him a shot at the highest level (NFL), for which he had no previous experience as a HC at any level? This punk should've been honored to even have been in the position, instead of being a wise-azzzzzz know-it-all, he should have taken the time to learn the ropes of the NFL game from a living legend, who knows more football than any owner alive. Keep in mind that Al Davis FOUNDED the Raiders, and has been a coach, scout, and league commissioner......He's the last of a dying breed, FOUNDER of the franchise still around. Group this man with the likes of Halas, Lombardi, Lamar Hunt, Modell, and the original Rooney in Pitt,....This (Raiders) is his life's passion, these other owners are just rich businessmen who bought a new toy, they aren't football men. So whatever Al does is fine by me, it's his team and his passion. And whenever he's been doubted in the past, the Raiders never fail to R-I-S-E........Just wait and see.......

Bill Calahan and Art Shell... I win.

 

[redman]

I've been a Raiders fan my whole life and am proud to call myself a fan. That being said, I concur that it's time for Davis to step down.

No doubt, he was a pioneer for the league and great for the game.....years and years ago. All good things must come to an end and suffice it to say, it's time for him to go.

Oakland has a very good defense, and if they can shore up their line to stop the run, the D isn't too far away from being elite. I love Russell's potential and in today's day and age, it shouldn't take much to turn the offense around, especially since you already have your franchise QB and some very good WR's.

Al should walk away with whatever dignity he can muster and let the healing process begin. For the team and its fans, who have sufferred grievously these past several years...I'm here to tell ya.

Im aware of the concept of optimism but wow.. what planet are you living on... your D is far from elite... good... but not elite... but you don't have good receivers and russell has yet to prove he's a franchise QB... he can be the next byron leftwhich as far as everybody is concerned... what did he start.. 1 game?... and the receiving corps of porter, curry and mike williams is far from good... actually far from bad... just terrible. The only player on that whole offense that has shown a bit of talent is justin fargas... and to see if he can keep his play up is TBD... you have 1 million holes in that offense that should take at least 2-3 seasons to mend.. thats saying nobody makes any bad decisions in drafts/free agency etc... and that's if russell even pans out as a NFL QB.and if i was kiffin... id take the resignation and run... far.. away... from the radddassss

For all of you Raider-bashers out there......The NFL currently is pretty much leveled out as far as talent, i.e. parity reigns supreme. And the Raiders don't have any more holes as most any other team. And with regards to FA, the Raiders have proven to ALWAYS be one of the more active teams in going out to acquire guys who can make a difference. And whether it works out or not, ala Randy Moss, no one can ever question that Boss Al will not stand pat. He goes and gets talent. Check the resume haters.Rich Gannon.......League MVP and Super Bowl QB

Ty Wheatly....resurrected career in OAK

L.Jordan.....one big season, was worth the risk at the time

Eric Turner....great addition...R.I.P.

Rod Woodson.....productive, playmaker for a time in OAK

Derrick Burgess.......top sack artist, once he got to OAK, most of ya probably never even heard of him before that

J.Hostetler......tough, savvy leader

W.Sapp.....still productive despite what the perception was

Eric Allen.......Future HOFer, Pro Bowl caliber play in OAK for a couple of seasons

Jerry Rice.....need I say more

And there are a litany of other great acquisitions that have occurred under Al a bit further back. The main point I'm making here is that in today's NFL it's much easier than in the past to go from the bottom towards the top of the pile in 1 SEASON, not 2-3, than ever before. And if any team that I'd bank on pulling it off, it's tha Rayyyyyy-duhhhhs! 'Cause the Boss doesn't stand pat.

F*%# Lane Kiffin, if the reports of him jockeying for the Arkansas and Michigan jobs were accurate, which I'll believe the franchise's side of it and take this as true, then that type of disloyalty will not fly in Al's book, nor in mine if I'm running any organization.......Don't be sitting there stupified and made to look like a dope like Arthur Blank due to your HC manuevering behind your back for another job. This gesture is a way for the young lad to save face here. Who the hell was Kiffin anyway before Al took a risk and gave him a shot at the highest level (NFL), for which he had no previous experience as a HC at any level? This punk should've been honored to even have been in the position, instead of being a wise-azzzzzz know-it-all, he should have taken the time to learn the ropes of the NFL game from a living legend, who knows more football than any owner alive.

Keep in mind that Al Davis FOUNDED the Raiders, and has been a coach, scout, and league commissioner......He's the last of a dying breed, FOUNDER of the franchise still around. Group this man with the likes of Halas, Lombardi, Lamar Hunt, Modell, and the original Rooney in Pitt,....This (Raiders) is his life's passion, these other owners are just rich businessmen who bought a new toy, they aren't football men. So whatever Al does is fine by me, it's his team and his passion. And whenever he's been doubted in the past, the Raiders never fail to R-I-S-E........

Just wait and see.......

Bill Calahan and Art Shell... I win.

And Joe Bugel. And Mike White. And Norv Turner. I'll have a huge amount of respect for Lane if, after Al strips him of personnel duties, he refers the media in all of his press coferences to Davis whenever they ask him about personnel matters.

Lane: "I no longer handle personnel issues, guys, talk to Al."

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Kiffin should pull a "George Costanza" on Al Davis. Report for work, mostly read comic books, take naps under his desk, use Al Davis' private bathroom, have friends call in bomb threats. This strategy usually resulted in George being fired.

 

[Banger]

I hate the Raiders but feel bad for Raider fans. Kiffin seemed to be getting something going there. Too bad he works for a senile, insane owner.

 

[Raider Nation]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

17-16 South,they scored with no time left on a 4th and goal,and I'm sure Al Davis was watching...lol

Originally Posted by RaidersRock

Kiffin was just asked if he would be coaching the Raiders in the fall, he responded "I hope so"

That was the most optimistic sh't I've heard all day,but if you read between the lines "Hope so" sounds a hell of a lot worse than just saying "Yes".

Unless he was saying it like I Hope Soooooo,wtf else would I be doing?



This was on a raider forum just now

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Keep in mind that Al Davis FOUNDED the Raiders, and has been a coach, scout, and league commissioner......

Al Davis most certainly did not found the Raiders.

That's what I was thinking.... wasn't Al Davis an assistant coach for the Chargers when the Raiders were founded?

The Raiders' first season was 1960. Al's first season in silver and black was 1963.

 

[radballs]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

 

[kremenull]

Keep in mind that Al Davis FOUNDED the Raiders, and has been a coach, scout, and league commissioner......

Al Davis most certainly did not found the Raiders.

That's what I was thinking.... wasn't Al Davis an assistant coach for the Chargers when the Raiders were founded?

The Raiders' first season was 1960. Al's first season in silver and black was 1963.

Well, excuse the hell out of me.......A blunder indeed.....but hell, if he's been with the organization since 1963, tell me somebody else who currently has that type of longevity?Anyway, I love the HATERS out there who can't wait to pile on, and it's mostly because they can't love their team, they have to hate other teams, especially the Raiders. Last time I checked, for the 2008 NFL season, everyone is 0-0. You fair-weather Raider fans in here can jump ship all day if you want to, I'll be sitting there at 'The Mac', cheering on mi Raiders and The Franchise, aka JaMarcus......who I believe will no doubt thrive and lead us to the Promised Land, sooner rather than later.If/When Kiffin is shown the door, those that want to follow him, go forth.......for those who love the Raiders, they'll still be there.....

 

[Cookiemonster]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

Been a fan since the '80s, when I was old enough to give a #### about football. If you're offended because this team stands for nothing anymore and gives me and thier fans very little to be happy about, then #### you both. In this era of football, coaching means more than any superstar you bring in 'cause the coach is likely the only one that will stick around for 5 + years and make a big difference in the play of the rest of your team. Coaches don't put butts in the seats though, and from what I can tell, that's the only thing that matters to Davis anymore and it's been that way for a while now. Get the big-name, Heisman winners or Super Bowl MVPs (Larry Brown, Desmond Howard anyone?) and rely on them to sell tickets. If they win games that way, cool. A positive byproduct. Davis doesn't believe in coaches enough to pay them and instead thinks that he can manage personnel and coaching so well that a bargain-basement coach is all he needs as a figurehead. If that figurehead tries to do his job, and does something that Al wouldn't do, then so-long. It's time for Al to realize that many of these coaches can do a better job of coaching than Al can, and by allowing the head coach his own personnel you prevent putting a square peg in a round hole.This guy is making me furious and isn't going anywhere. Being a football fan is something we do for enjoyment and without a peek at that now and then, why torture yourself? How long have either of you put up with a miserable marriage? Anybody divorced? Wasn't that supposed to be a life-long commitment more sacred than your favorite sports team? Nobody bashes me for being on my 2nd wife... :middlefinger:

 

[Raider Nation]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

Been a fan since the '80s, when I was old enough to give a #### about football. If you're offended because this team stands for nothing anymore and gives me and thier fans very little to be happy about, then #### you both. In this era of football, coaching means more than any superstar you bring in 'cause the coach is likely the only one that will stick around for 5 + years and make a big difference in the play of the rest of your team. Coaches don't put butts in the seats though, and from what I can tell, that's the only thing that matters to Davis anymore and it's been that way for a while now. Get the big-name, Heisman winners or Super Bowl MVPs (Larry Brown, Desmond Howard anyone?) and rely on them to sell tickets. If they win games that way, cool. A positive byproduct. Davis doesn't believe in coaches enough to pay them and instead thinks that he can manage personnel and coaching so well that a bargain-basement coach is all he needs as a figurehead. If that figurehead tries to do his job, and does something that Al wouldn't do, then so-long. It's time for Al to realize that many of these coaches can do a better job of coaching than Al can, and by allowing the head coach his own personnel you prevent putting a square peg in a round hole.This guy is making me furious and isn't going anywhere. Being a football fan is something we do for enjoyment and without a peek at that now and then, why torture yourself? How long have either of you put up with a miserable marriage? Anybody divorced? Wasn't that supposed to be a life-long commitment more sacred than your favorite sports team? Nobody bashes me for being on my 2nd wife... :middlefinger:

Sounds like you'll make a PERFECT New England fan. Good luck in the Super Bowl.We'll miss you.

 

[yellowdog]

Keep in mind that Al Davis FOUNDED the Raiders, and has been a coach, scout, and league commissioner......

Al Davis most certainly did not found the Raiders.

That's what I was thinking.... wasn't Al Davis an assistant coach for the Chargers when the Raiders were founded?

The Raiders' first season was 1960. Al's first season in silver and black was 1963.

Well, excuse the hell out of me.......A blunder indeed.....but hell, if he's been with the organization since 1963, tell me somebody else who currently has that type of longevity?Anyway, I love the HATERS out there who can't wait to pile on, and it's mostly because they can't love their team, they have to hate other teams, especially the Raiders. Last time I checked, for the 2008 NFL season, everyone is 0-0. You fair-weather Raider fans in here can jump ship all day if you want to, I'll be sitting there at 'The Mac', cheering on mi Raiders and The Franchise, aka JaMarcus......who I believe will no doubt thrive and lead us to the Promised Land, sooner rather than later.If/When Kiffin is shown the door, those that want to follow him, go forth.......for those who love the Raiders, they'll still be there.....

I admire your loyalty to the team, but do yourself a favor; stop defending the senile owner. As long as he's in charge, the Raiders have little hope.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around. At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

Been a fan since the '80s, when I was old enough to give a #### about football. If you're offended because this team stands for nothing anymore and gives me and thier fans very little to be happy about, then #### you both. In this era of football, coaching means more than any superstar you bring in 'cause the coach is likely the only one that will stick around for 5 + years and make a big difference in the play of the rest of your team. Coaches don't put butts in the seats though, and from what I can tell, that's the only thing that matters to Davis anymore and it's been that way for a while now. Get the big-name, Heisman winners or Super Bowl MVPs (Larry Brown, Desmond Howard anyone?) and rely on them to sell tickets. If they win games that way, cool. A positive byproduct. Davis doesn't believe in coaches enough to pay them and instead thinks that he can manage personnel and coaching so well that a bargain-basement coach is all he needs as a figurehead. If that figurehead tries to do his job, and does something that Al wouldn't do, then so-long. It's time for Al to realize that many of these coaches can do a better job of coaching than Al can, and by allowing the head coach his own personnel you prevent putting a square peg in a round hole.This guy is making me furious and isn't going anywhere. Being a football fan is something we do for enjoyment and without a peek at that now and then, why torture yourself? How long have either of you put up with a miserable marriage? Anybody divorced? Wasn't that supposed to be a life-long commitment more sacred than your favorite sports team? Nobody bashes me for being on my 2nd wife... :middlefinger:

Sounds like you'll make a PERFECT New England fan. Good luck in the Super Bowl.We'll miss you.

Dude ...i`m as loyal a raiders fan you will ever meet(i tattoo`d there logo on my body for cry`in out loud)but how long can the raider nation settle for below average commitment to to winning...just because we love our team does`nt mean we have to bury our heads in the sand and ignore what A.D has been doing for the last decade or so. I dont believe that all Davis cares about is money as someone else stated , he cares about winning as much as anyone ...problem is as far as i can tell is he doe`nt know HOW to set his team up to do so , and until he stops being so damn thickheaded and listens to people other than all his yes men cronnies NOTHING will change until he dies. What davis has done in the past stands on it`s own merit , but we are now at the ''what have you done for US lately '' stage , we the fans who are buying the product the raiders are putting on the field have every right to be upset and frustrated to the point of turning our backs on the owner who ,by his own actions , has turned his back on us.

 

[Raider Nation]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around.

At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,

Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

Been a fan since the '80s, when I was old enough to give a #### about football. If you're offended because this team stands for nothing anymore and gives me and thier fans very little to be happy about, then #### you both. In this era of football, coaching means more than any superstar you bring in 'cause the coach is likely the only one that will stick around for 5 + years and make a big difference in the play of the rest of your team. Coaches don't put butts in the seats though, and from what I can tell, that's the only thing that matters to Davis anymore and it's been that way for a while now. Get the big-name, Heisman winners or Super Bowl MVPs (Larry Brown, Desmond Howard anyone?) and rely on them to sell tickets. If they win games that way, cool. A positive byproduct. Davis doesn't believe in coaches enough to pay them and instead thinks that he can manage personnel and coaching so well that a bargain-basement coach is all he needs as a figurehead. If that figurehead tries to do his job, and does something that Al wouldn't do, then so-long. It's time for Al to realize that many of these coaches can do a better job of coaching than Al can, and by allowing the head coach his own personnel you prevent putting a square peg in a round hole.

This guy is making me furious and isn't going anywhere. Being a football fan is something we do for enjoyment and without a peek at that now and then, why torture yourself? How long have either of you put up with a miserable marriage? Anybody divorced? Wasn't that supposed to be a life-long commitment more sacred than your favorite sports team? Nobody bashes me for being on my 2nd wife... :middlefinger:

Sounds like you'll make a PERFECT New England fan. Good luck in the Super Bowl.We'll miss you.

Dude ...i`m as loyal a raiders fan you will ever meet (i tattoo`d there logo on my body for cry`in out loud)

Welcome to the club

but how long can the raider nation settle for below average commitment to to winning...just because we love our team does`nt mean we have to bury our heads in the sand and ignore what A.D has been doing for the last decade or so.

Where did I say I was pleased with the way things are going? On the contrary... I want to throw up! However, I decided when I was six years old and saw the best logo in all of sports that I would bleed Silver & Black until I die. My only message to those who are threatening to root for another team: GO! We'll still suck with or without you rooting for us. Just don't come crawling back if the Raiders are good again sometime in the next few years.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Local radio was basically reporting all yesterday that Kiffin received the resignation letter and started reading it to other people in the building, hence how most of the local papers got their hands on the source text. In addition Kiffin is going to lose all power over hiring, FA and the draft if he sticks around.

At this point the Raiders organization is just hoping that the story goes away.

If true, I hope Kiffen takes it up w/ proper authorities. Make Al pay him to go away and leave w/ a good, untarnished rep and a fat wallet. Signed,

Soon to be EX Raider Fan

To you and any other fair-weather fan who wants to jump ship.... This is my team forever. Bandwagon fans (like 97% of those rooting for the Pats at the moment) make me puke.

Been a fan since the '80s, when I was old enough to give a #### about football. If you're offended because this team stands for nothing anymore and gives me and thier fans very little to be happy about, then #### you both. In this era of football, coaching means more than any superstar you bring in 'cause the coach is likely the only one that will stick around for 5 + years and make a big difference in the play of the rest of your team. Coaches don't put butts in the seats though, and from what I can tell, that's the only thing that matters to Davis anymore and it's been that way for a while now. Get the big-name, Heisman winners or Super Bowl MVPs (Larry Brown, Desmond Howard anyone?) and rely on them to sell tickets. If they win games that way, cool. A positive byproduct. Davis doesn't believe in coaches enough to pay them and instead thinks that he can manage personnel and coaching so well that a bargain-basement coach is all he needs as a figurehead. If that figurehead tries to do his job, and does something that Al wouldn't do, then so-long. It's time for Al to realize that many of these coaches can do a better job of coaching than Al can, and by allowing the head coach his own personnel you prevent putting a square peg in a round hole.

This guy is making me furious and isn't going anywhere. Being a football fan is something we do for enjoyment and without a peek at that now and then, why torture yourself? How long have either of you put up with a miserable marriage? Anybody divorced? Wasn't that supposed to be a life-long commitment more sacred than your favorite sports team? Nobody bashes me for being on my 2nd wife... :middlefinger:

Sounds like you'll make a PERFECT New England fan. Good luck in the Super Bowl.We'll miss you.

Dude ...i`m as loyal a raiders fan you will ever meet (i tattoo`d there logo on my body for cry`in out loud)

Welcome to the club

but how long can the raider nation settle for below average commitment to to winning...just because we love our team does`nt mean we have to bury our heads in the sand and ignore what A.D has been doing for the last decade or so.

Where did I say I was pleased with the way things are going? On the contrary... I want to throw up! However, I decided when I was six years old and saw the best logo in all of sports that I would bleed Silver & Black until I die. My only message to those who are threatening to root for another team: GO! We'll still suck with or without you rooting for us. Just don't come crawling back if the Raiders are good again sometime in the next few years.

Nice Tat ....''win , lose or tie Raiders till we die''.....i just hope we can start winning before I die....sheesh

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Kiffin doesn't dress like Raiders coach

By Steve Corkran, STAFF WRITER

Article Last Updated: 01/27/2008 11:23:06 AM PST

Where Lane and Al went wrong

Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is a huge proponent of body language. It is one of the primary tools he uses in judging whether a player is a suitable fit for his team.

Wide receiver Mike Williams, quarterback Andrew Walter and running back LaMont Jordan can attest to the importance placed on body language by Kiffin. Their perceived "language" played into extended stays on the sideline last season or a place in the unemployment line.

Make of it what you will, then, but Kiffin coached the North team in the Senior Bowl on Saturday in a black Under Armour jacket, while his assistants sported gear adorned with the Raiders logo.

Don't mistake that for a coincidence in light of Raiders managing general partner Al Davis reportedly drafting a resignation letter almost two weeks and sending it to Kiffin's representatives for Kiffin to sign.

Several Raiders officials Friday vehemently denied that Davis has stripped Kiffin of any authority over things such as personnel and coaching moves. However, they refused to confirm or deny the little matter of a resignation letter sent at Davis' behest.

Wide receiver Jerry Porter and several of his teammates were contacted for this story. Porter and the others either said they don't want to comment or they don't know enough about the situation to feel comfortable weighing in just yet.

Davis has yet to be heard from.

It bears noting that former Raiders coach Jon Gruden presided over his

season-ending news conference at the conclusion of the 2001 season devoid of Raiders attire. He was shown the door a short time later.

An NFL Network reporter said Davis and Kiffin's representatives are working on a settlement that would free Kiffin from a contract that runs through the 2009 season. One person in the Raiders front office said that's a possibility but far from an imminent solution.

In other news, the Raiders requested permission from the Washington Redskins to interview offensive coordinator Al Saunders. That became a moot point when the Redskins fired Saunders on Saturday.

It remains unclear whether Saunders will be receptive to Oakland's overture. However, he has interviewed with Davis in the past.