Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden suddenly resigned this week after an NFL investigation surrounding the Washington Football Team revealed some disturbing emails.
It’s tough to keep secrets nowadays, given the documentation available online.
But make no mistake about it, Gruden is still one of the best coaches around.
Unfortunately, the grounds of his resignation go beyond the game, and a reprimand is impossible.
Jon Gruden’s emails are further & final proof for the necessity of minority voices in positions of power.
In 2011, Gruden was a homophobic racially insensitive pervert. He was also the face of #MNF on ESPN, speaking to an audience of 13.3 million people weekly. pic.twitter.com/9rpZTVBPBj
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 12, 2021
Therefore, the divorce was inevitable even if Gruden still had six years left on his contract.
Rich Bisaccia will take over for Gruden as interim head coach immediately.
However, team owner Mark Davis will start the search for a new head coach at once.
Would it be asking too much if we got Mark Davis to coach the Raiders for a few games? pic.twitter.com/fOk9zCZf2F
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 12, 2021
He can only create a shortlist for now because the NFL prohibits job interviews for coaches during the season.
Meanwhile, college football coaches are also in the midst of their season.
But here’s who the Raiders must consider for the role.
3. Matt Eberflus – Defensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
The Raiders need more work on defense than on offense.
They already have the players they need to score points.
Getting a defensive-minded head coach can boost their capability to limit their opponents’ chances.
Matt Eberflus is amped on the Colts sideline. 3 & out to start. @WISH_TV
— Charlie Clifford (@cliffWISH8) October 12, 2021
Matt Eberflus is the best candidate on defense and made the shortlist of other teams in the past.
Developing players like Darius Leonard, Kenny Moore, and DeForest Buckner is an excellent selling point for Eberflus.
He’s an intelligent mentor who can elevate the Raiders to the next level.
2. Brian Daboll – Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
Brian Daboll has been a perennial prospect for any NFL head coaching opening since the Buffalo Bills became an offensive juggernaut.
Josh Allen’s improvement in accuracy is one of his more successful projects.
More importantly, he directed Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley to Pro Bowl seasons in 2020.
My vote for the next Raiders HC is current Bills OC Brian Daboll.
You need offensive innovators in today’s NFL to contend. Watching what he has done with Josh Allen and the Bills offense is incredible.
Unique play-caller that has the NFL experience to succeed. pic.twitter.com/92fHJph1uQ
— CJ Errickson (@CJErrickson_NFL) October 9, 2021
This season, the Bills’ run game has improved under Daboll’s guidance.
Their average rushing yards per game increased from 107.7 last season to 140.4 in 2021.
Buffalo looks like a Super Bowl LVI frontrunner early on, and playing in that game will increase Daboll’s stock as a strong candidate.
1. Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
Like Daboll, Eric Bieniemy has been a constant candidate for a head coaching role since the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV.
It’s hard to ignore how he commanded Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce into a well-oiled offensive machine.
That’s the formula that the Raiders are looking for to surpass their division rival.
Mark gotta hire Eric Bieniemy at the end of the season, right?
— Kenny King Jr (@KennyKing_Jr) October 12, 2021
Hiring Bieniemy would make their offense more dynamic.
He can also inject some plays to maximize Darren Waller’s talent like he did with Kelce.
The invaluable knowledge about the Chiefs’ system makes him the top person for the role.
Honorable Mentions
If the top three options don’t materialize, they can consider Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Joe Brady and Byron Leftwich are also hot candidates with what they’re doing with the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.
"He does it all."
🗣️: OC Byron Leftwich on @CGtwelve_ pic.twitter.com/TCpArtmUK1
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 12, 2021
Meanwhile, New England Patriots linebacker coach Jerod Mayo is also an intriguing prospect.
The Raiders can also look at Oklahoma University’s Lincoln Riley, Penn State’s James Franklin, and Georgia’s Kirby Smart.
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