NFL: Could Chuck Bresnahan Be the Oakland Raiders' New Defensive Coordinator?

With the Super Bowl looming the next few days, the Oakland Raiders are still without a defensive coordinator. Speculations as to who would take over the defense, such as Rob Ryan who is now with the Dallas Cowboys, haven't materialized.

Instead of the return of Ryan, Raider nation has been reunited with another former defensive coordinator, as Chuck Bresnahan has been added to the Raiders' defensive team.

Bresnahan will not return to his former post as the defensive coordinator,—a position he held with Oakland from 1999 to 2003—but as the new linebackers coach. Bresnahan was a linebackers coach with the Indianapolis Colts from 1995-1996.

This signing raises questions as to whether he will eventually be named the defensive coordinator if the Raiders are unable to find an adequate candidate (or if anyone is willing.)

Bresnahan has experience as a defensive coordinator with the Raiders and also with the Cincinnati Bengals (2004-2008). Each season he was with Oakland, the Raiders won the AFC West title, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2003. Although the Raiders were known for Rich Gannon and the high-octane offense under Jon Gruden, Oakland still had a solid defense that could maintain the lead put up by the offense. With Hue Jackson and Al Saunders teaming to create what could be a fairly successful offense, Bresnahan could be nice fit on the defensive side of the ball.

With the talent he would have, Bresnahan could even improve the defense. Richard Seymour is obviously going to be franchise tagged, so along with his return, plus Tommy Kelly, Lamarr Houston and the team's sack leader Kameiron Wimbely, the front line of the Raider's defense is looking strong.

If the Raiders can sign Nnamdi Asomugha and Michael Huff, Oakland's all-around defense will be talented enough to allow an experienced coach like Bresnahan to thrive.