Oakland Raiders: Anatomy of a Denial

Nothing is taken for granted in the land of the Silver and Black.

Be it signings, contracts, or even coaching choices.

Earlier, a report circulated showing Tom Cable would be named the head coach within the next few days. And shortly afterwards, this statement was made:

"The decision has not been made," Herrera said. "That's not correct. At some point here we will have a head coach, but as of now that decision has not been made. We are assembling a staff as you know, but a decision on the head man has not been made."

Hmm. Ok, two things should be made known regarding this denial. First of all, the source of this information came through Michael Smith. Odds are good, if Chris Mortensen had tried to fly with it, additional comments would have been made as well.

Secondly, is that not all the information on this matter come from Oakland's side of the coin. Apparently, one of the other choices for head coach, either Gilbride or Moss, was told the direction the team is going. Since they weren't selected, it's a given that Oakland's Head Coach would become Tom Cable.

Now, comes the second half of the question. Why did the Raiders try to build their house up from the inside out? They interviewed an assorted cast of coaches, some rumors persist that Oakland might still like Todd Haley.

Some also think that if Tom Cable is the Head Coach, he could also run the offense, giving the Raiders one less coach to negotiate with. Either that, or if they do sign Haley, a clause would be put in that if Cable falters, he would gain the coaching job...Kind of a rough way to do business.

A few of the smaller details the Raiders didn't deny is that Paul Hackett is taking over the QB coaching position for the team, and that Dwaine Board as the defensive line coach. The latter should help, as the Seahawks last year allowed only one 100-yard rusher last year.

So, now the waiting game begins for Al Davis to totter up to the podium and utter the news that Tom Cable will be the head coach.