Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was on KNBR on Tuesday and spoke openly about his position with the club, wanting to get a fair shot to start in 2010, the return of Tom Cable and other topics. Here’s a transcript of his chat.

About being on the air and disseminating information:

Anything I can do to get to the fans out in this area and a lot of Raider fans, and we’re excited.

Reflections of the Pittsburgh Steelers game – his homecoming:

Oh, it was unbelievable. To go home, be in front of all my family and friends and to get a big win against a good football team like that was unbelievable. Just for my family, in sharing that with me and just the excitement. Just the feeling we had in the locker room and as a team that we were finally coming together.

About his college career, putting up great numbers and surpassing legendary names:

Just to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys – it’s an honor. But it’s also humbling to know, I have a lot more to do in my career to even be mentioned with those guys. Being out now in the west coast, you saw what Joe Montana did out on the west coast. Hopefully one day I can do that for the Raiders. It’s definitely in my future and my goals and the dreams I have.

That was an awesome game against the Steelers, but it also would make it even more special if that was the AFC Championship game and we are going to the Super Bowl after that win. That’s kind of what I’m thinking about.

About the return of Tom Cable:

Yeah, coach Cable is going to be back. A lot of our coaching staff has stayed the same and we brought in a good coach in Hue Jackson, coming from the Baltimore Ravens, and you know, I’m excited.

Have you’ve been told Cable will be back, specifically?

We are going to work everyday like it’s the same. Coach Cable is in there working and that’s all I care about. I don’t look into details, but I just go in and take care of my own business and whoever is there I’m going to work with and we are going to do just fine.

Last season’s inconsistent play, beating the Steelers and Eagles, but failing against lesser opponents or in back-to-back games:

I think it shows that we are a good football team. And the only thing we have to work on is being consistent. And that’s the number one thing we are going to be focused on coming into this year is knowing and understanding that we are a good football team – the Oakland Raiders can compete with anyone. And we’ve proven that, we’ve showed that and now its just time to be consistent and show week-in and week-out and just prepare like that every week and believe in ourselves and know that we can get the job done just like any other team in the NFL.

What he brought to the table as oppose to JaMarcus Russell and if his leadership and work ethic was what won people over:

I think so. It was the way I’ve been raised.

Your going to get what you deserve. I believe that, so I’m just going to keep on working hard, just like I’ve been and that’s just the way my parents raised me.

I’m not really worried about how other people do their job. I’m just worried about being a professional, taking care of my own business and when the opportunity comes, just take advantage of it. And I was blessed with a good opportunity this past season.

About the situation with Russell, and how his large contract may dictate what occurs on the field:

Well, its tough. A guy like Jeff Garcia whose been in the league for years and he’s been successful, he’s never gotten the big signing bonus, the big contract that he’s deserved. And you know, its crazy how things work out in the NFL. It’s frustrating to a certain point, but you can’t worry about those things.

You just keep on working hard and good things will come. And you’ll get what you deserve. So that’s all I can really focus on.

Whether he’s officially signed?

I haven’t officially signed with them yet. They offered a second round tender. So its still free agency going on, so there are other teams out there, but in my heart, I want to be in Oakland. I believe I’ll be in Oakland and I’ll like to be here for years to come. I just feel a good presence here, especially with the fan-base we have. It’s the best in football and fans that love their team. And we need to give them something to cheer for. So that’s what I’m looking forward to changing this year and going in and having a good season.

Do you want assurance about having an open quarterback competition?

Yeah, I think that’s the way it always has to go. I believe that in any business that you are on, any field of work, competition just makes you better and the best person should be out there for the job. I think that’s the way it should take place. That’s the way it will take place and I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited for getting this opportunity and like I’ve said, competition makes you better and there’s going to be competition everywhere. It’s just the nature of the game. So I’m looking forward to it this year and I’ll love to get it from the start and see what we can do with it.

About being the underdog year in and year out and communicating with Jeff Garcia:

Yeah, that’s why I think me and Jeff have such a good relationship. I think we are so similar in so many ways. At this point in Jeff’s career, where I’m at, he wasn’t even in the NFL, he was still in Canada, so I still have to stay positive. He reminds me of that. And when the opportunity comes, take advantage of it…

If you can win football games, if you can find a way to win, I think that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter about how much skill you really have, its about does the team rally around you, do you get the job done, are you smart and the leadership role – I think that’s one of the most important things about being a quarterback.

Differences between Cable and Jon Gruden:

I think every coach is different. And that is what makes every coach unique. There is no really right way to do it – it’s your own way. And I think coach Gruden, coach Gruden wanted his hands in everything. He was the offensive coordinator, the QBs coach, he kind of did everything.

Coach Cable is more of a overseer. A discipline guy. He’s a player’s type coach. The players want to play for a coach like coach Cable. He’s easy to communicate with and he wants the best for his players. So you like playing for a coach like that. Gruden and Cable, they each have their own way and its all about how to get the job done. And I think coach Cable did a great job with us last year and so, I’m exciting in moving forward with him this year and I think there are good things in store for us.

About the Randy Hanson incident:

I think the players, we just kind of have to worry about our job.

Just coming to work everyday and letting that stuff be handle by the people that handle that situation.

It’s unusual but, I think Mr. [Al] Davis, he just wants to win. And I think he really just wants to win and he wants the best for his players.

I’m hoping our fans back us from day one, ‘cause we can use them and we need them to be a part of this year and to be a part of this thing when we turn it around.

If I were Bruce Gradkowski, why wouldn’t I want to stick around in Oakland?

Yes, all signs point to the Silver & Black giving JaMarcus Russell another shot to fulfill their destiny for him – to become the organization’s franchise passer. Yes, as long as Al Davis feels that his prized strong-armed passer can develop until a competent player, he’ll give him as many opportunities to do so.

And even if Tom Cable has other plans for Russell, the facts are that Davis will have ultimate say on whether or not the former LSU star will be in the huddle or on the sideline, not the coach.

With all that said, Gradkowski coming back to Oakland for another year could give him the best shot for getting back on the field than any other option that may be out there.

Russell has not shown the maturity level or the work ethic to grab that starting position and make his own. He lacks many fundamentals and is lacking throughout his football repertoire enough to make you wonder if he can ever bounce back from this horrid start to his career.

And that is why Gradkowski should sit tight and realize that he may be the next in line.

Most of the players got an energy and vibe from Gradkowski that was not present with Russell. They were far more productive on offense with Gradkowski and at this point, its safe to say that the coaches that remain on staff realize that the journeyman is more of a sparkplug and provides more intangibles than the multi-millionaire.

When Gradkowski limped off the field against the Washington Redskins and Russell took over, the team was deflated. “You could kind of see it emotionally a little bit, the wind left our sails, so to speak, just a little bit, when that happened,” defensive end Jay Richardson said.

Langston Walker praised the passer after the victory in Pittsburgh, stating, “Bruce is fiery. He’s yelling at us, screaming at us, running around like a banshee, but it’s all controlled. That’s how he gets it done. You saw the result.”

And Oakland’s most productive player on offense – Zach Miller – and Russell’s security blanket on the field commented this season, “A love for the game that he shows in the way he plays, the way he calls plays. The way he works on details of plays with players, in between. He’s just uh, I think that’s the main thing I’m seeing with him. It’s just, he’s a get-after-it type of guy.

“He’s obviously a pretty smart guy, reads things well, throws a real good ball. He’s a pro quarterback, so they’re all good. We feel like we’ll be able to throw it around better now.”

All signs of a team that feels more confident with one signal caller, than the other.

An unhappy fan showing his displeasure with JaMarcus Russell

And this is why Gradkowski should stick around and Oakland should try to do everything within reason to keep him in Silver & Black.

If Gradkowski overvalues himself and tries to break the bank – which is highly unlikely – then he isn’t worth keeping around.

But Oakland needs to realize that his presence is a safety net they need just in case Russell continues his horrid play.

“I plan to be back with the Raiders,” Gradkowski stated to The Toledo Blade “I think everything will work out, and I’m looking forward to it. We did a lot of good things this year and I’m looking forward to next season.”

Gradkowski also mentioned his roaming NFL lifestyle, “I’m all over the place, and hopefully I can settle down soon.”

And as for his outlook for the Raiders, it seems like he has a good grasp of the situation he may be presented.

“I think at this point, hopefully, they’ll just pick the best guy to be out there on the field,” he replied. “Money’s not an issue, but I know in this business it kind of is when you invest a lot of money in someone. All I ask for is an opportunity to compete.”

It may not be a fair one to begin if the Raiders force Russell onto the field. But unless he changes drastically, Gradkowski will get his shot to compete, and rightfully so.

Tom Cable 'absolutely' thinks he'll continue to work with Oakland

Tom Cable was on KHTK – 1140am – and talked about his current status with the Oakland Raiders while at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Here are some excerpts of his conversation with the host.

At the Senior Bowl:

Well, you’re really looking at these kids and trying to familiarize yourself with them as you prepare for the next step, which will be the combine. So, you get a chance to look at, basically, 70-some players, you get a chance to go back now and look at all the juniors that are coming out and just kind of start comparing this whole thing and then it gets you ready for the combine. Because that group that was here in Mobile, they’ll be at the combine, as well as all those juniors that came out. So, it gives you a great opportunity to kind of get a jump on it and familiarize yourself with the whole group.

Talking to Al Davis:

Well, we’ve had a lot of conversations. You’re right, there’s been a lot of speculation. But the whole time, we’ve talked about where we’re at as a football team. And that’s everything. That’s the organization, that’s the coaches, that’s the roster, our free agents, who we need to get signed back, just everything that goes into it. We really never have had discussions about what would or wouldn’t happen. It’s just always been about evaluating the Oakland Raiders. I don’t know that at anytime he’s ever said he was going to change or he wasn’t going to change. It’s just an evaluation process that every team goes through. We did great diligence in terms of an organization, the coaches, and here we are getting ready for the 2010 season and starting the scouting routine with the Senior Bowl.

About being the head coach of the Silver & Black:

Well, absolutely. I don’t think there was ever any question. That, really, was more speculation than anything else. It’s never been a thought in my mind. We went at this thing every day, whether it was discussions with the owner or discussions with the staff, that we were moving forward and getting ready for 2010. So, it’s never really been an issue for us.

On Jamarcus Russell:

He’s just one man on this football team. He knows he’s got to get better. We know we’ve got to get him better. But everyone on this team, coaching staff, players alike, has to get better, and that starts with me. So, obviously, people want to single someone out or whatever that is but right now, it’s about all of us getting better.

#10 – The greatest WR does it again – Super Bowl XXXVII

In a contest with very little entertainment value for Raider fans, receiver Jerry Rice continued his excellence in the big game albeit in a losing effort. His 48-yard touchdown reception gave the Raiders a glimmer of hope against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cutting their deficit to 34-21. It mainly added to his legacy, as he became the first player to haul in a touchdown pass in 4 different Super Bowls. His final tally career wise in Super Bowls – 33 catches for 589 yards and 8 scores.

#9 – Kenny King’s 80-yard Touchdown – Super Bowl XV

It was a simple dump off just away from the arms of the defender Herm Edwards. But King hauled it in and bolted for a record 80-yard score. The mark stood till 1997, but the damage it inflicted was long standing as it gave Oakland a 14-0 lead in an eventual 27-10 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

#8 – ‘The Assassin’ left his mark – Super Bowl XI

It was a convincing victory versus the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. But a lot of the Raider lore and history for being tough renegades, who just dominated and placed feared into opponents was acquired by one of the most devastating hits in football history – which happened in the game’s grandest stage. Jack Tatum knocked the helmet of Vikings’ receiver Sammy White. He stood over him admiring his work in a menacing fashion…

That was the ‘Assassin’ at work.

#7 – Rod Martin’s INT parade – Super Bowl XV

Jim Plunkett won the MVP in Super Bowl XV, but it was Rod Martin’s performance that will be remembered with his Super Bowl record three-interceptions. He tallied two championship rings with the Raiders, playing a vital role with key stops as well in the Silver & Black’s win versus the Redskins in 1984.

#6 – Davis celebrates his 3^rd Title – Super Bowl XVIII

After the Raiders whipped on the Redskins, owner Al Davis boasted about the victory and proclaimed, “Not only, in my opinion, are you the greatest Raider team of all time, I think you rank with the great teams of all times to have ever played any professional sport.”

#5 – Images of Madden – Super Bowl XI

John Madden led the Silver & Black to their first title. And in that game, video captured of him being animated on the sidelines, jumping (err, I think…) for joy and being carried away by his teammates will always be cherished by Oakland’s fan-base.

#4 – Rozelle and Davis – Super Bowl XV

The Pete Rozelle and Al Davis feud was epic. The Raider owner once stated that the legendary commissioner was a man ‘who will destroy the whole league if we’re not careful,’ while also calling him a ‘phony and a fraud.’ After the Silver & Black dismantled the Eagles, Rozelle awarded the Vince Lombardi trophy to Davis, head coach Tom Flores and congratulated the Raiders for being the first wild-card team in league history to win the Super Bowl. Quite an awkward moment and one that Davis cherished immensely at the time while stating it was ‘the finest hour in the history of the Oakland Raiders.’

#3 – Jack Squirek’s INT for a score – Super Bowl XVIII

It was the perfect storm for the Silver & Black. Ray Guy had pinned the Redskins at their 12-yard line. Joe Theismann was about to run an identical screen pass that torched the Raiders a few months earlier, but Squirek sniffed it out and turned a close game into a laugher with his interception return for a touchdown right before halftime, giving Los Angeles a 21-3 lead. Marcus Allen’s run was breathtaking, but Squirek’s play was pivotal in altering the momentum in the contest.

#2 – “Old man Willie…,” – Super Bowl XI

Willie Brown’s 75-yard interception return for a touchdown is one of the most iconic images captured in Super Bowl history. His intensity jetting down the sideline towards the end zone giving the Raiders a 32-7 lead capped what was a wonderful day for the Silver & Black as they captured their first Super Bowl victory.

#1 – Marcus Allen’s 74-yard run for a TD vs. the Redskins – Super Bowl XVIII

The Hall of Fame rusher danced around the Washington defense putting the last nail in the coffin with his stellar 74-yard scamper. Allen skipped behind the line of scrimmage before turning around and finding a crease as he cut back and ran to paydirt. At that point Los Angeles led 35-9. Allen won the MVP with his 20-carries for 191 yards and 2 scores.

Many reports are indicating that Hue Jackson will sign on to the Oakland Raiders staff and become their offensive coordinator.

Jackson was expected to talk to the Chicago Bears on Tuesday for that same job, but that was nixed and now it appears that the he’ll depart the Baltimore Ravens to head to the Bay Area.

The former quarterbacks coach in Baltimore worked with Joe Flacco for the first two years of the passers career. Under Jackson’s tutelage, Flacco became the first rookie in NFL history to win two playoff games under center. While with the Cincinnati Bengals (2004-2006), Jackson worked with their receivers.

Chad – then Johnson – Ochocinco  (1,369) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (1,081) became the first duo at wide receiver to put up 1,000-yard seasons for the organization. Ochocinco had his best years under Jackson and Houshmandzadeh developed into one of the better pass catchers in the AFC.

Jackson had a desire to become a coordinator in this league after stints in that same capacity in 2007 with the Atlanta Falcons and with the Washington Redskins in 2003.

His biggest objective while in Oakland will be to get the most out of former number one overall pick JaMarcus Russell.

It appears that Jackson was hand-picked by Al Davis to direct an offense that ranked 31^st in points scored per game, 21^st in rushing yards per game and 29^th in pass yards per contest.

Tom Cable was the primary play caller in 2009 and with Davis not happy with the direction of his attack and the lack of development in his prized passer; the change at offensive coordinator was imminent.

All signs point to Cable coming back as head-coach, but it appears that he had to make concessions and allow Davis to tinker with his staff in order for him to finish his contract in Oakland.

Russell struggled all of 2009 and showed little improvement. His footwork, accuracy and work ethic among many other things have been scrutinized.

Cable benched the former LSU star as the season wound down while Bruce Gradkowski helped the team increase their offensive output. Once he went down due to injury, Charlie Frye also surpassed any production Russell was able to muster up.

Both back-ups were able to absorb Cable’s playbook and give the Oakland offense more of a fighting shot.

In the other hand, Russell was unproductive, had the game plans simplified, yet he continued to play inept football.

If Oakland is pinning all their hopes on Jackson to revive Russell, it could be a risk that may cost them another double-digit losing season.

Unless Russell takes it upon himself to work harder, get into camp in shape and somehow miraculously improve many of the mechanical issues he has passing along with his accuracy, Oakland will be wasting their time trying to milk anything out him.

Davis obviously thinks Russell has more to give.

He drafted Russell with visions of John Elway.

And Jackson’s arrival may just mean that Davis wants to see if another voice not named Cable could wake him up.

FROM THE BALTIMORESUN.COM

“After much consideration I have decided to accept a position as offensive Coordinator with the Oakland Raiders,” Jackson said in a statement. “I will miss the fans here and I thank them for all the encouragement and support they have shown me while I called Baltimore my home. I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, Dick Cass and especially Coach John Harbaugh who brought me to Baltimore. Baltimore will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m especially thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with a world class organization, a top notch coaching staff and some of the best talent in the league.”

Per ESPN reporter Adam Schefter, the Oakland Raiders will retain head coach Tom Cable for the 2010 season.

A source close to the organization reported this to Schefter, as now it appears that Cable will be able to fulfill his final year of his contract for the Silver & Black.

The Raiders have not officially stated anything nor has a press release been disseminated.

For weeks since the end of the season, there has been much speculation about the future of Cable. And just recently, the Raiders began interviewing potential staffers, hiring Mike Waufle to lead the defensive line.

Hue Jackson was also brought into Oakland to interview for what has been reported by many outlets for the offensive coordinator position.

The addition of a new staffer lead many to believe that Al Davis was thinking of retaining Cable and just surrounding him with better assistants.

Davis was not pleased with the direction of the offense in 2009, particularly the lack of development in quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

As I stated in an article on January 15^th, Oakland was taking their time with Cable probably due to the parameters Davis was putting for his head coach’s future.

It’s been obvious that Cable desired to stay with the club. His players lobbied for him after the 2008 season and they did once again at the end of this regular season.

Cable probably would have done anything to keep this job; even if it meant making concessions to appease Davis, whether it be giving up play calling duties, saying all the right things regarding Russell and the make-up of his coaching staff for 2010.

Next year will be boom or bust for Cable. He’ll be a lame-duck coach and will have to work for a new contract. Davis most likely won’t be as forgiven, especially if they continue their streak of 11 or more losses or cannot get production out of the owner’s hand picked draft picks.

If the losing continues and the players are not responding, Cable will be out of a job. If he can get the most out of this group and turn this ship around, we may see Cable now being in the position of strength.

Next year, wins and losses will be at a premium.

And if Cable is fighting for his life to be a coach in Oakland and Russell is forced upon him, and still not playing at a level needed for them to win, the chance of volatility and the coach going against the owner’s wishes could lead to more drama.

I stated in an article earlier in the month that, “[Cable’s] been loyal to the Raiders and wants to continue his work with this crop of Raiders. So bending over backwards and jumping through Davis’ hoops will have to happen.”

But how long will that last when his job could be on the line and he’ll be working for a contract?

I also said, “Cable wants the job. He needs this job. It’s not like he will be a hot commodity once he is jettisoned that will interview for any vacancies in the future. Sure, he’ll probably land as a position coach elsewhere and continue his football-teaching career. But there won’t be another chance to lead a NFL club; especially with the likes of Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden in waiting for openings.”

Well, if Cable is a miracle worker and can get the Raiders back to respectability and/or challenging for a playoff berth, then he’ll be in the driver’s seat. He will have every right to make many demands and ask for a substantial raise. Oakland would be mindless to let him walk away then.

And if he succeeded in Oakland, why wouldn’t he be able to go elsewhere and do the same?

If Cable is truly back, next year will be a frantic season where every outcome to every game could have significance to the future of a coach, an owner and a organization.

ADD-ON EDIT

“We’ve never made any statement that the head coach would not be back, that has been media speculation from the beginning,” senior executive John Herrera said in a statement to The Associated Press on Saturday night after the above news circulated about Cable’s return.

“We’ve consistently stated that we’re going through an evaluation process to determine the direction that the organization needs to go. The process is ongoing and has not reached a conclusion.”

Johnnie Lee Higgins participated in the 2007 Senior Bowl

The 60^th annual Senior Bowl will be played Saturday, January 30 at 4:00 pm ET at Mobile, Alabama.

More importantly, the practices begin January 25. And there is where hundreds of NFL coaches, personnel directors, scouts and many other staffers from professional clubs go to observe and evaluate potential draft picks and talent that will be available in the coming months.

In the past, Oakland Raider coaches have spearheaded the staffs in charge of the squads. Here is a list of those that donned Silver & Black that were at the helm of a sideline during the Senior Bowl:

2008 – Lane Kiffin

2005 – Norv Turner

1999 – Jon Gruden

1992 – Art Shell

What will be interesting is whether or not the Raiders will send a large contingent to Mobile for scouting?

One team – the New York Giants – have already reportedly decided not to send their coaches next week due to varying reasons such as the economy, the new stadium and pending labor situation states the NJ Star Ledger. But I guess that is not a crippling thing, since they didn’t either two years ago right before their Super Bowl winning season.

Oakland still has a staff in place, and Tom Cable is technically still the coach of the Raiders.

Al Davis has not announced his fate, but at this point, isn’t safe to say that Cable is still the head coach until further notice? If there’s even a need to make that publicly.

Mike Waufle has been hired, Hue Jackson has been bantered about and Cable is still on board.

With the Senior Bowl work-outs around the corner, maybe things will become clearer over the next couple of days.

Agent Jack Bechta, who represents Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, refuted a story that his client interviewed for the Oakland Raiders or that he was offered the job to coach the club.

“There is no truth to the rumors that Jim Harbaugh or I have met with the Raiders,” Bechta told the National Football post.

“Further, Jim has not interviewed with nor been offered the head coaching job of the Oakland Raiders. Jim and Al (Davis, team owner) have a very special relationship full of mutual respect. However, the rumors circulating are absolutely false.”

The Raiders still have not made a decision publicly about Tom Cable’s future with the club, but rumors have circulated about possible candidates for the eventual opening if he is jettisoned.

Hue Jackson has recently made a trip to Oakland to interview for a mystery job.

Raider executives have also shot down any reports that they have interviewed coaches such as Jim Fassel and Marc Trestman.

“The reports that we’ve interviewed prospective head coaches are totally untrue, totally false,” John Herrera told the Oakland Tribune.

Fassel stated on Siirus.XM radio that he hasn’t been contacted by the Silver & Black and that he is not lobbying for a position.

Unlike Rob Ryan, who stated, “Hell, yeah, I’d have interest,” if Oakland had an opening.

Trestman has been linked to the Raiders, but his agent also denied some of the news circulating about his client.

“All I can tell you is Marc’s the head coach of the Alouettes and has not interviewed for any jobs,” agent, Darren Weiner reported to The Montreal Gazette. “Nor is he trying to position himself for any jobs. There’s no news to report. He’s the head coach (of Montreal). That’s it.”

CBS analyst and former Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon was on WFTL sports radio tonight and gave his thoughts on the current state of the Silver & Black, JaMarcus Russell, the coaching situation and whether or not Jon Gruden would ever go back to the Bay Area and coach.

Here are his thoughts on the what’s happening with Tom Cable and the coaching saga:

I can’t tell you that anything surprises me out in Oakland. I know that some of the decisions they have made have been probably, leaving you scratching your head, There’s a reason why they’ve gone seven straight season where they’ve lost 11 or more games. You got a guy on the coaching staff right now – Tom Cable – and your bringing in other coaches. They don’t allow him to pick his own coaching staff. Al [Davis] is probably going to go out and hire an offensive coordinator, someone to coach the quarterback – JaMarcus Russell – Al thinks this guy has a bright future in the league. And you know, its tough. It’s a tough situation to work in and when you look at the results, you have to question whether or not they are making the right decisions.

On JaMarcus Russell and how Cable could lose credibility by sticking with the young passer if he doesn’t feel he is the answer:

You have to tell him how you feel. I think what’s at stake here it’s the fact that you may start to lose your football team. These guys, they work hard every day, they put a lot of time in and they want to win and when you put a guy out there who is not ready to play, is not prepared, doesn’t work necessarily to put himself in a position to have a chance to be successful then you start, then the players start looking at the coaches and saying ‘hey, put the other guy in.’ The guy that gives us a chance. When you go back to the same guy, because the owner wants him to play, then you lose your credibility in the locker room,  you lose your credibility with your players and that becomes a problem for a coach.

On him helping the Raiders in any way:

I absolutely have no problems with Al. I think there is obviously a philosophical difference of opinion on what needs to get done an obviously, he’s the owner and I’m not. But he and I have agreed to disagree on a number of occasions even when I was playing there we didn’t agree on a lot of things, but I think he respected the fact that I took a stand and that I was a guy committed to do the work necessary to help turn the thing around. I believe I left the place in better shape than what I found it. My purpose of calling Al was just to reach out and he used to call me in the past and I was willing to go out and help JaMarcus, or anybody, in any way that I could. Look, its important to me to see that team play well. I think I have a vested interest. I spent six years of my career out there. I helped turn it around. You know, I still have teammates out there, people that work in the building, some coaches I know and the trainers, the equipment guys that…I want to see them win. I’m not looking to coach. I’m not looking to be in management – I’ve been offered positions by other organizations, it’s just a gesture on my part to reach out to a young quarterback that has really struggled and that has not been able to find his way in the NFL.

On Jon Gruden ever coming back to the Silver & Black:

I was with Jon and Bruce Allen about six weeks ago and we had that very same conversation, I asked him, ‘Would you ever go back and coach Oakland. You’d be surprised what Jon Gruden said. He said, ‘Absolutely.’ I don’t think he’ll go back under the current situation, but I know he loves northern California.  He loves the Bay Area. He loved his time with the Oakland Raiders.

I’m sure he wouldn’t go back under the current set-up and situation.

Reports today have circulated about the Oakland Raiders reaching out to current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Even though no decision has been made regarding Tom Cable’s future, insiders have stated that Harbaugh was talked about being their next coach, but the former NFL quarterback was not interested in the job.

Jim Fassel has also been rumored about for some time now, but he trashed any thoughts of him throwing his own hat into the ring on Sirius.XM Radio on Wednesday commenting, “I’m not lobbying for the Raider job. I have never in my life rooted for a coach to be let go so there’s an opening. I never have.”

Fassel, who is the head coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL, has had his name come up in the past when Oakland had openings and his son – John – is the current special teams coordinator for the Silver & Black.

Other names such as Winston Moss and Marc Trestman have also surfaced.

SBReport.net learned on January 12^th that Trestman was a leading candidate if there was an opening and that Oakland had serious interest in the current coach of the Montreal Alouettes that play in the Canadian Football League.

Cable has been in limbo since the end of the 2009 season. And per John Herrera, both Al Davis and Cable have talked while other coaches have contacted Oakland for positions.

“Most of the characterizations of Al Davis’ meetings with the head coach being short or brief are not true either,” Herrera said. “Mr. Davis has had meetings of some depth with the head coach. There have been meetings and meetings of substance.”

He continued: “A lot of people have called inquiring about coaching positions.”

ESPN has reported that Hue Jackson is under consideration to take over as the offensive coordinator.

Many of these rumors can lead you to believe that Davis may still be considering keeping Cable and delegating other duties to new staffers. As stated in an article on SBREPORT.NET, Davis could be setting up varying parameters for Cable’s return.

Or, Davis is testing the waters to see what’s available if and when he decides to pull the plug on Cable.

Either way, Davis’ actions right now are very undermining and not very loyal. Especially if he’s partaking in these interviews with candidates such as Jackson to comply with the Rooney Rule.

Cable right now appears like a puppet; a coach who is just in purgatory.

But one thing he has been is loyal. And more importantly, a guy who wants the job and has shown great pride in being the Raiders coach.