Oakland Raiders Coaching Positions Still Unresolved, Despite ESPN Report

The Raiders recently hired former Giant defensive line coach Mike Waufle to the coaching staff, that has been confirmed. 

They have also been interviewing Ravens QB coach Hue Jackson. According to the Raiders he is interviewing for offensive coordinator job, not head coaching job.

With the new and potentially new coach, speculation has been wide open.

First people have suggested that the Mike Waufle hiring can mean one of three things.

Many have suggested that these two coaches ensure Tom Cable stays another year. Because Tom Cable worked with both of those guys at Cal, a common train of thought says Al Davis is letting Cable bring in his own guys.

Contrary to popular belief and ESPN reports, that is not the case. In response to Adam Schefter confirming the Raiders keeping Tom Cable as head coach, the Raiders released this statement.

"We've never made any statement that the head coach would not be back, that has been media speculation from the beginning," senior executive John Herrera said in a statement to The Associated Press on Saturday night.

"We've consistently stated that we're going through an evaluation process to determine the direction that the organization needs to go. The process is ongoing and has not reached a conclusion."

Then there are those dreamers who just can't get over Jon Gruden. Coincidentally Mike Waufle also worked under Gruden from 1998-2002. Some have suggested that the Waufle signing is a precursor to the return of Gruden.

Then worst case scenario is: Shortly after Waufle comes over from New York, Kevin Gilbride may follow him. Either as head coach or offensive coordinator.

Yes, the old man who patrolled the Giants' sideline. Impressively, at his age, without a walker.

In reality all the Waufle signing means is that we won't be running a 3-4 anytime soon. As Mike Waufle has exclusively ran the 4-3 in his years as a d-line coach.

But that isn't bad news. During his first stint in Oakland and while in New York he coached some of the most feared defensive fronts in the game.

Then there's the possible Hue Jackson hire.

It likely means someone is out of a job.

If Jackson is hired as offensive coordinator, chances are passing game coordinator Ted Tolner will be shown the door.

Or he maybe Tolner will be demoted to QB coach, a position he once held with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. And Paul Hacket will be fired.

Hue Jackson may even be hired as the Raiders QB coach, the position he holds with Baltimore, and Hackett would likely be fired.

Bottom line is the Raiders will not employ all three of these guys.