Oakland Raiders Coaching Search Has Broncos' DC Dennis Allen as Top Candidate

The Oakland Raiders' search for their next head coach continues, but a favorite has emerged from the pile of coordinators and assistants in Dennis Allen. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Raiders are set to interview Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for a second time.

Update: Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 12:03 p.m. EST by Michael Dixon

According to Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN, the Raiders are currently in negotiations with Allen.

The Raiders have been in an offseason tailspin since relieving former head coach Hue Jackson of his duties. This is a franchise that has become known far more for their coaching failures than legendary successes. That makes the next hire an extremely important one.

Allen comes in as a highly respected coach that may now get a second interview as he scouts the Senior Bowl, which takes place on January 28th in Mobile, Alabama. As Schefter points out, the Raiders have already touched base with an extensive list of candidates.

The interviewees include: Green Bay Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., and former Miami Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowle.

The team is hoping to make a decision by the end of next week and are supposed to touch base with Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice at some point in the next couple of days.

Allen is an interesting possibility considering the success the Denver Broncos had on defense this past season.

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil emerged as two superstar beasts under an Allen-coordinated attack. The Raiders could use a great deal of attention on defense as they ranked 27th in both the passing and rushing fronts.

The Broncos may have given up a great deal of yards but also dealt some devastating blows in creating sacks and turnovers. The versatile sentiment would do well in Oakland where a pragmatic approach is needed.

The Raiders are desperate for the right guy that can finally give this franchise some sense of consistency. There is no way the Raiders grow into a winner with the turnover they have suffered. Here is to hoping the next guy is the right guy.  

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