Hue Jackson: 10 Reasons Al Davis Made the Wrong Decision Promoting Jackson
Is Hue Jackson the answer, or just the latest sacrificial lamb?
The Oakland Raiders announced that Jackson, the offensive coordinator, has been promoted to head coach. He replaces Tom Cable, who led Oakland to an 8-8 record but was fired by owner Al Davis. Stories followed that Davis fined Cable $120,000 this season, and Cable is trying to recoup the money.
Players were pleased about Jackson's promotion.
"I'm excited about Hue getting the head coaching job," Raiders tight end Zach Miller told the Associated Press. "I really like the direction our offense is going and how much we improved. This was the best offensive year we've had since I've been a Raider. I'm excited to have the continuity."
Jackson helped the Raiders' offense undergo a dramatic turnaround this year. Does that make him a qualified choice, or simply one more coach that Davis will dispose of in two years? Here are 10 reasons Davis made the wrong choice:
10. Logic Sometimes Isn't Involved
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When it comes to Al Davis, keep in mind this is the same person who once took Sebastian Janikowski with the team's first pick in 2001. The following year, the Raiders went with Marques Tuiasosopo as the future at quarterback, then went with JaMarcus Russell in 2007 with the first overall pick.
In fairness, Davis has made some great picks before in the draft. Here are some notable picks:
(1988) - WR, Tim Brown
(1996) - TE, Rickey Dudley
(1998) - CB, Charles Woodson
(2008) - RB, Darren McFadden
(2010) - WR, Jacoby Ford
9. No Guarantees With Assistants
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There's a track record of previous NFL coaches who were colossal failures as head coaches. Some include Dave Campo (Cowboys), Romeo Crennel (Browns), Josh McDaniels (Denver), Eric Mangini (Jets/Cleveland), Gary Kubiak (Houston) and Dave Wannstedt (Miami).
Time will tell if Jackson joins this list, or emerges as an exception.
8. Why the Wait?
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Pro Football Weekly reported on January 7 that Davis wanted to interview Jackson but isn't "going to be pressured into speeding up the process." There had been rumors Jackson was who he'd targeted since he joined Oakland, but if he was so beloved, why did Davis hesitate and wait after he let Cable go?
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7. Cave, Or Stand Firm?
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Players have already expressed how much they approve of Jackson being promoted.
"He has a strong personality that will carry right over to the whole team," tight end Zach Miller said. "Guys are familiar with him. They know what they're getting with him. He's not a new face coming in as a head coach. Having someone who has been here will make the transition that much easier."
It's one thing to be well-liked and be the coach that all the players love, but what happens when it comes time for Jackson to be a disciplinarian and punish players for poor play? What happens when a player tries to push the limits and see if they can cut corners? Will Jackson try to remain popular, or go Jimmy Johnson and just cut the player immediately?
If he does that, the Raiders may have something, but if he's a pushover, this won't last long at all.
6. They've Had The Fire Before
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When talking about Jackson, Davis said in a statement, "The fire in Hue will set a flame that will burn for a long time in the hearts and minds of the Raider football team and the Raider Nation."
What fire does he mean? Is Davis talking about how passionate he is? And has he quickly forgotten about Jon Gruden and John Madden?
If Davis was saying Jackson will be like those two, he should have just said that, but it comes across like Jackson will be a breath of fresh air and something the franchise has never experienced before. Anyone who's even remotely followed the Raiders knows that is untrue.
5. How Long Is Long?
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You probably had to laugh at the part in his statement where Davis said Jackson's fire would burn "for a long time" among the team and fans.
"A long time? As calculated in Raider years or dog years?" wrote Oakland Tribune columnist Cam Inman.
Davis has already gone through five head coaches since the team won the 2002 AFC Championship.
4. Better Pedigree
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Before the recent string of hirings did take place, Davis still had a talented group of coordinators to choose from who were way more qualified than Jackson. Ron Rivera (pictured), Leslie Frazier, Jason Garrett,Perry Fewell and Russ Grimm were all available, and each had equal or more impressive resumes and qualifications compared to Jackson.
3. Better Be Record Breaking
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Jackson's experience comes on offense, where he helped Oakland finish sixth in the NFL in scoring last year with 410 points. That more than doubled the Raiders' 2009 amount, Jackson will need Darren McFadden and Jason Campbell to light the NFL up in 2011. Otherwise he may be on borrowed time.
It's one thing to have a talented offense, but when it produces an 8-8 record and no playoff berth, that won't ensure any long-term stability for Jackson.
2. Short and Limited
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Jackson has worked as a quarterbacks coach, receivers coach and offensive coordinator since joining the NFL in the earlier part of this decade. The NFL is a nomadic league, but great assistants are often kept around long term. Jackson has never stayed with one team more than three years and this will also be his first head coaching position at the college or pro level.
1. Power and Control
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That's exactly what Davis wants, which means Jackson will never truly be able to lead and direct this team.
"Hue Jackson might be the better candidate but unless he’s willing to play the role of coaching marionette, he’d be advised to rent and not own in the East Bay," writes Chris Shellcroft of NFL.com. "The second Jackson attempts to put his indelible stamp on this team, he’ll get a swift reminder on just whose team it really is."
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