Al Davis Death: What Changes Can We Expect with Raider Leader's Passing?

Legendary coach, general manager and owner Al Davis has died at the age of 82. While this is clearly a time to mourn the tragic loss of someone who changed the AFL and NFL forever, we shouldn't forget about the changes that could be coming to the Oakland Raiders.

This year, of course, the Raiders (2-2) have looked much better than they have in previous years, so the organization would probably be smart to leave Davis' team alone.

It's no secret, however, that Davis made certain controversial decisions throughout his years. Changes could very well be coming.

The Raiders' owner was notoriously in love with speed guys, and the drafting of Darrius Heyward-Bey was a perfect example of that. No one ever really agreed with Davis' pick of Heyward-Bey back in the first round of the 2009 draft, and the speedy receiver has yet to come close to fulfilling lofty expectations.

It looks to be a rare miss for the late genius.

With the news that Davis' son Mark is likely to take control over the Raiders, one could assume that Davis' unpopular decisions like Heyward Bey and Terrell Pryor could very well stay in town.

Not so fast.

Besides learning from his Dad—and that shouldn't be understated—Mark Davis has no experience running a team. It's unlikely he would have nearly as much control running the day-to-day operations of the team like his Dad did.

Much of that responsibility may fall to Amy Trask, the current CEO of the Raiders. It appears that Trask has been more involved in day-to-day duties recently. 

And as for decisions about the team and those unpopular players that Davis brought in? Current head coach Hue Jackson will likely take on those types of tasks.

It's easily noted that Al Davis was an important, impressive and devoted man. With his tragic passing it appears that it will take multiple people to fill all of the responsibilities he held with the Raiders.

For now, the success that Davis was bringing back to the Raiders means that any major player changes are unlikely, but one thing remains certain:

Al Davis himself can never be fully replaced.