Oakland Raiders: Reggie McKenzie Interview Next Step in Silver and Black Revival

The Oakland Raiders were beset by injuries in 2011 and ultimately fell short on their goal of returning to the postseason.

Although it isn't much consolation, the Raiders did avoid a losing season for the second straight year. It wasn't a winning season, but it wasn't a losing season either.

After seven straight seasons of double-digit losses it is safe to say they're making progress.

And as far as progress goes, according to Chicago Sun-Times beat writer Sean Jensen, the Raiders are set to interview Reggie McKenzie, current director of football operations for the defending champion Green Bay Packers, for their vacant GM spot formerly ruled by late owner Al Davis:

The Raiders would be foolish to let him slip away because there will be other teams, including the Packers' rivals in Chicago, who would love to get a crack at him.

The former NFL player turned executive knows all about the Raiders. He played for the organization when they were in Los Angeles in the mid-to-late 1980's and ultimately finished his NFL playing career with San Francisco 49ers in 1992.

He's been a member of the Packers organization since the 1994 season and has seen them go to three Super Bowls (winning two) and knows exactly how a winning organization should be run.

The 48-year-old exec took over the director of football operations post after serving 10 years as the director of pro personnel. 

Needless to say, he knows how to run an organization, how to run a draft and, most importantly, how to win.

This is something the "Just Win, Baby" Raiders need right now.

Since Davis' passing, CEO Amy Trask and Davis' son, Mark, have been in charge of the franchise. Landing a qualified and decorated executive with a football mind like McKenzie's is the best thing this organization can do.

The Raiders aren't too far off from taking over the AFC West like they did in the early-2000's. The next step towards a winning Silver and Black squad starts with interviewing—and hopefully hiring—Reggie McKenzie.

If they don't, there is a very good chance the Bears will.