Al Davis and the Shell Game

One thing Al Davis loves to do is make a mockery of the media.

And right now he has them guessing who is going to be the new coach of the Oakland Raiders.

Since the season has ended, there has been rumors of Tom Cable, Kevin Gilbride, Winston Moss, Don Martindale, Todd Haley, and now Al Saunders have been mentioned.

All the meanwhile, Al Davis has been busy being Al, as he marches John Herrera out to give the party line...Which he would probably do even if California had the big one.

Well, to the Raider Nation, it does get irritating. But to anyone who has been around Al Davis for any length of time, this is his main trademark. Keep the people guessing, looking for the good apple in a basket of wormy fruit.

Some would look at this like a shell game. Is he going to pick Cable, or will we draw Saunders? Take your pick, take your pick, where is he?

From the different ends, I'd surmise two things:

One, Al has his coach. It's going to be Cable.

Two, with the other interviews going on, they are simply a process of filling in people behind him under the guise of "interviews" for the Head Coach position.

Some people obviously won't be back. Don Martindale for example, has jumped ship, and went to Denver. Others, like Todd Haley are being coveted by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Also to note, Jeremy Bates, who was considered for the OC position in Oakland, is now with USC.

I wouldn't start worrying...until Kevin Gilbride gets plucked by another team.

Then, panic.