Co-offensive coordinator in title, sure, but nobody disputes the fact that he called the plays, not Sarkisian. He's either the right guy or he isn't. Some guys go straight from being a position coach to a head coach, like Herm Edwards for example. In some ways I'd say a guy who was a coordinator and called plays at arguably the biggest college program in the country knows more about preparing and running a team than someone who's only been a position coach. And this guy has been around it his whole life, remember his did is Monte Kiffin. I don't think he's your average 31 year old. Of course it's a risk, it always is unless you're busting out the checkbook for a guy like Parcells.
I Love the hiring. First AL Davis track record hiring young head coaches is very impressive. I would have been bummed if they hired a rethread(thats where AL Davis hasn't done too good) Second his father is legendary DC monte Kifflen.(has the blood lines) Third Lane kifflin got the best experience anyone can ask for. He had to go against a Pete carrol coached defense every day in practice. You can question Carrol as headcoach, but no one will question carrol ability as a DC. Fourth His name isn't ARt shell.
How many of those historic Raiders track records were blown out of the water this year, Jeaux? I wouldn't have a good feeling about anything Al Jong Il does anymore if I were a Raiders fan.
alot of people (Jets fans and others) were skeptical about Mangini, and look how that turned out mate!!! just because of their abyzmul (hehe) year this year doesnt mean they cant turn it around mate! only time will tell
ANother fact you have to like about Lane Kifflen , as USC chief recruiter evaluator, hes very familiar with the top talent out there in college- not to mention easily the top three program in college(USC). This guy going to really help the Raiders tremendously, in the draft this year. Some prospect could just have been stuck behind a better prospect. With the Raiders drafting early and often , Raiders just might getting a very early return on their investment. The greatness of the raiders lies in their future- AL Davis.
quick question. If the Jets had hired him as their HC last year, what would you have said? I have a feeling that it wouldn't have been anything similar to your post above. In fact you probably would've been saying how stupid of a signing it was and blah blah blah...
So when does the Book Of Al Jong Il say the lunar tides will shift and bring the Raiders their dynasty?
Lets see what happens in Fa and draft and I will have a better idea when this next raider dynasty going to start. you know me I don't like to make baseless predictions . Afterall I have a reputation to uphold..
Looks like he is pinching a loaf into his adult diapers. Davis does have a good track record picking young coaches. However he is starting to lose it and if I was Kiffin no way in hell I take this job.
Listen anytime you hire any coach there are always going to be questions. I don't care if the guy been a proven offensive coordinator. Being a very good coordinator dosen't always translate to be a succesful coach. See norv Turner, M Martz) Theres no doubt Lane Kifflen knows his X and O's, but only time will tell if he will be a good coach in this league. Like anything in Life there are no guarantees. Take the draft, Jamarcus russell/Peterson, and c Johnson . Looks like you can't go wrong there. BTw -With Rob Ryan , prettymuch in charge of the defense, he just has to concentrate on the offense. Lane Kifflen knows talent out there in college football and aRaiders should lean on his expertise this year in draft.
It's kind of funny that Jerry Jones has hired an offensive coordinator before hiring a head coach. And he's talking to Norv Turner about the head coaching position. I can imagine the uproar if Davis did the same thing. Hiring Turner after one failed coaching stint was bad enough, I can't believe Jones is flirting with giving him his third chance...
This was taken off Raiders board from poster by bruceLfrank. Sirius NFL Radio: Kiffin, Kiffin and Morrison ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Monte Kiffin: He was on with Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan. He was so excited about Lane getting the HC job with the Raiders that you could just feel it. He talked about how Lane got the job when Sarkisian backed out of the deal and removed himself from the process (Yes those were his exact words). He said that he went from being worried about Lane one minute to realizing that his son was now making more money than him. They joked with Monte about his probable dream of Lane working for him one day but asked him if he ever thought he might work for Lane instead. Monte said that the Raider defense is great and that Rob Ryan isn't going anywhere so that is out...They talked to him about facing the Raiders next season and Monte said the Raiders aren't on the schedule but you never know what might happen in this league. You could tell how proud and emotional he was about Lane getting this job. You could also tell the genuine happiness that Pat Kirwan had for Monte and Lane having known the family for over 25 years. Lane Kiffin: He was much more relaxed and fun to listen to in an informal interview with Ryan and Kirwan. He talked about the interview with Al and how he was sold on the job. Echoing the press conference he referenced how much it hurt Al to go through what he did last year and how much Al wants to win and how he is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Spending money, coaches, free agency, whatever it takes. Lane talked about his father and that he talks to him just about every day and how close they are. They told him what Monte said about making more money and Lane joked "I don't know about that. He hasn't seen my contract." He is so ready to go to work and hire his coaching staff and evaluate players. He talked about having the advantage at the Senior bowl when he realized how many guys he knew. He recruited a lot of these kids when they were in 10th grade. He talked about the influence Pete Carroll has had on his life and his coaching career and praised him along with his father. Kirk Morrison: Great interview with Solomon Wilcotts and Adam Schein. He talked about how close a family and tight knit group the defense is. He said that they all love Rob Ryan and would go to war for him every day. He made several references to Art Shell, the offense and Tom Walsh that they were out of touch with today's player and that the offense just wouldn't buy any of it. He said that the whole team was frustrated by having two great players like Porter and Moss not on the field helping them win. He talked about the San Diego game and the huge let down and how the whole season spiraled down from there. He said that the organization will not be afraid to draft a QB in the first round because he referenced the success of Vince Young, Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler and how good young QB's can make an impact instantly now. He said that everything is positive with the players he's talked to and they look forward to a young mind and new "Plasma TV" on offense. He said that he spoke to Rob Ryan at the Senior Bowl about Lane Kiffin and that Ryan is excited and on board. He joked with Morrison that with a 31 year old coach though you might get a very early bed check. He talked about his goal to be great in his 3rd year and to make the Pro Bowl. He said the game slowed down a lot in year two but he thought he would really be able to put it together in year three. He is stoked about Ryan being his DC the last 2 years and having him back next year. He also talked about how much it hurt going 2-14 but that he never hung his head and holds it high today. He thought that they played well enough to win 4 or 5 more games last year. His final comment was that as of February 5th and the end of the Superbowl everything starts over and the Raiders will be 0-0 and a fresh start. I love these type of interviews thay get me pumped up- for 2007. I have to get Siruis
Well correction that Raiders defensive staff is way better than Jets defensive staff. I wouldn't take one Jets defensive coach over a raiders defensive coach at their position. Jets offense staff was way better than the Raiders without a doubt. lets see who kifflin brings in on offense. I Might have been one year behind in my prediction. As right now you offense staff is way better. Jets got the most out of their average talent on offense.
^ That one doesn't even make any sense! If you misspell your new coach's name ONE MORE TIME, I'm signing you up for granny porn emails.
Did anyone see the John Clayton piece last night on Sportscenter where he said that in addition to Al calling "Lane", "Lance" during the press conference, Kiffin was pretty much blown off by Randy Moss when Kiffin gave him a call.
