Al Davis shared his intentions to host the NFL's first ever open tryout for a head coaching job with reporters early Thursday morning.
"We find diamonds in the rough all the time when we're looking for players. Why can't it work for coaches?" asked Davis.
"I was watching this show called American Idol where people give their all, and I got inspired. It's a lot of fun," admitted Davis. "I can watch people try, fail, and fire them on the spot."
Disappointed with the way the 2008 season turned out, Davis insisted that his decision wasn't anything personal against Tom Cable.
The interim head coach has done "everything asked of him" since taking over the team, but Davis believes his Raiders are "in desperate need of a unique spark."
Beginning immediately Monday morning following the Raiders' final game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Davis intends to meet with "any and every person" who arrives at their facilities over the course of the next month.
"If you have a real plan, we'll have a real meeting," guaranteed the 79-year-old owner and general manager. "I've played the game. I've gone out and hired Hall of Fame players, guys who've been around football their entire lives, and I've only been disappointed.
"Let's see what guys who love this team as much as I do can accomplish."
Tom Cable was not available for comment, but sources close to the former offensive line coach said he's not surprised.
Davis refused to acknowledge the possibility that his decision would cause a strain in his relationship with Tom Cable. It's particularly stressful for Cable as many fans have lobbied for him to become the full time coach in 2009.
"He's welcome to come to the try-outs, too!" exclaimed Davis. "This isn't only for inexperienced guys with good ideas...I want to make sure we have the right people in place."
The coaching carousel in Oakland has rotated around six different head coaches since 2000.
The 4-11 Raiders have the opportunity to avenge their Super Bowl XXXVII loss on Sunday with a win over the Buccaneers. The Raiders could play spoiler to Tampa Bay's playoff hopes as Gruden's squad is in need of a win to secure the final NFC Wild Card spot.
Angel Navedo covers the Jets-Examiner" target="_blank">New York Jets for Examiner.com. His work can also be found on NYJetsFan.com, where he is the Head Writer, and on MyGridironSpace.com—a premier social networking site built exclusively for NFL fans.
He is also a Senior Writer at the Bleacher Report, where he is one of the New York Jets Community Leaders.
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