Oakland Raiders Fire Greg Knapp, Side with Darren McFadden

It had to be the Greg Knapp way or the Darren McFadden way for the Oakland Raiders going into 2013. So, Dennis Allen and the Raiders wasted little time in telling McFadden this was his team by firing the offensive coordinator, as well as three other coaches including offensive line coach Frank Pollack.

Letting go of Knapp and Pollack is a sign that McFadden is going to be a fixture with the Raiders, and---depending on who the new offensive coordinator is---could be the centerpiece of the offense.  

Knapp and Pollack were the architects of the zone blocking scheme---which failed miserably in 2012---and were both assistant coaches with the Houston Texans before coming to Oakland with hopes of creating an Arian Foster-type rushing attack.

Towards the end of the season, it became clear that either McFadden would be traded or cut this offseason, or Knapp would be fired. McFadden, who averaged over five yards-per-carry in the power blocking scheme of 2010-11 averaged barely over three yards-per-carry in 2012.

McFadden's frustration became more obvious as the season wore on as he refused to comment on the offense after the season ending loss to the San Diego Chargers. There was also McFadden's anger on display against the Kansas City Chiefs when the Raiders failed on a third-and-one with a run to the outside.

The passing game also took a dive under Knapp despite Carson Palmer's 4,000 yard season. Wide receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore regressed from last season as both had issues catching the ball.

So far, "Black Monday" has seen Knapp, Pollack, special teams coach Steve Hoffman and linebackers coach Johnny Holland depart. One has to wonder if the rest of the offensive positions coaches are safe. Why would an offensive coordinator come to Oakland if he couldn't fill out his staff?

More news is sure to come as "Black Monday" continues.