Lane Kiffin is NOT leaving; Rob Ryan is most likely leaving.

Thoughts from the Dark Side

January 6, 2008

Lane Kiffin is NOT leaving; Rob Ryan is most likely leaving.

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Peter King made an offhand comment at the end of the Pittsburgh Steeler Jacksonville Jaguar tilt that Lane Kiffin is not a lock to return to the Oakland Raiders next season. This flippant remark has sent shockwaves of panic though the Nation, over nothing more than speculation. It seems that every Raider fan is on edge right now. It seems that the speculation comes from the memo yesterday that did not say that Rob Ryan will be the Raiders defensive coordinator next year.

It has been a harsh few years here in Raiderland, but this collective world record in conclusion jumps are doing no one any good. Lane Kiffin and his staff have been named to coach the North team in the Senior Bowl, so Kiffin and company will get a very good look at several draft prospects. If Kiffin was likely out, he would not be coaching the Senior Bowl.

Just a few days ago, it seemed that there was finally a tranquil period for the Nation. Kiffin had had his season ending press conference talking about building for next season. All signs pointed to Rob Ryan's departure, which is something that many in the Nation are hoping for. It is also widely believed that Kiffin is among those who want Ryan outm which would make sense as Ryan is a hold-over from the past two regimes and his unit underperformed expectations. Kiffin is very likely going to get his wish, as there is no real hurry for the Raiders to give Ryan his walking papers.

Jerry MacDonald of the Oakland Tribune says it very well:

If Lane Kiffin wants his own defensive coordinator, it makes no sense to get rid of the one you have until you��ve got a better replacement lined up. And what better time to get one lined up than the week preceeding the Senior Bowl.

Al Davis made that mistake when he fired Norv Turner, and then wound up having to hire Art Shell, a move which helped the Raiders sink deeper into the NFL abyss.

Hiring a new defensive coordinator is not as easy as picking up the phone and extending an offer.

That logic actually makes a load of sense. This would buy Al Davis and Kiffin some time to put some feelers out and see who is available and interested. If they can't find a top quality candidate, they could do a lot worse than bringing Ryan back. There is NO commitment in yesterday's memo to anything other than Ryan not having been fired YET.

As far as the Lane not a lock to coach in Oakland next season, well barring death Al Davis is the only one a lock to have anything to do with the Raiders next season. It would seem to be speculation based on a combination of the Rob Ryan memo and the earlier rumors about Lane Kiffin and Arkansas. Everything coming from the Raider camp makes it look like the Lane Train will be going strong in Oakland through next season, and until Al Davis says otherwise that will be how it is.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

5 Comments on "Lane Kiffin is NOT leaving; Rob Ryan is most likely leaving."

Posted by Paul from Visa, January 6, 2008 4:33 AM

Al Davis needs to give Lane at least 1 more year to see if there are any changes to the team. U can't go off one year but then again its Big Al. I think he stays and just trys to build up the offense with more weapons and get a stud defensive player through FA. The D is still young they can only get better. If they do, Nation and League look out. Rob should also stay unless they can some how get Monte Kiffin. D has a good bond with Ryan. Plays hard for him. Future of Kiffin also depends on Jamarcus. If he can become a star quickly. He's Kiffins only chance.

Posted by Brad, January 6, 2008 9:17 AM

Kiffin is the first decent coach we have had since Gruden. He applies actual football logic and it taking the steps needed to build this team into something that can perform year in and year out. Everything else Al has done has been a Band Aid approach and has only taken a high cap team with big names into gameday with no real system in place. Kiffin is going to need a lot more then a year or two to make this team into something special or even bring it back to its early years of glory. Everyone needs to get off this quick fix idea and instant turn around in the NFL.... this is a team, not instant oats!

Posted by The RaiderCast » Blog Archive » Thoughts from the Dark Side: Lane Kiffin is NOT leaving;, January 6, 2008 8:14 PM

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Posted by Ernie Oberer, January 7, 2008 6:41 PM

Lane Kiffin is on the right track. It appears that Al Davis has given him a lot of control- more than anyone else has had. This guy looks great and is inspiring. Adding some key players through the draft and FA is key. Monte Kiffin's contract is now up so his comming to Oakland is a possibility. Al Davis has given in to most other aspect of the game so why not the defense as well. M Kiffin would be a great asset to the coaching staff. Can't wait till next year. Ernie O.

Posted by Dan, January 8, 2008 9:02 AM

This year carried some excitement. We must not forget that we had fourth quarter leads in 6 of the games we lost. the offense didn't do much to help the defense surrendered the game in all instances. Ryan may have a good background but not the right mentallity. Each team to their turn running the ball down the flex defense that Ryan would not change. Never any aggressive response to teams building their stats at our expense(and their score). At least Rex would bury a team in pressure to the point that, the old defense beat the New England Patriots until the refs decided that was not going to happen. Rob needs to be gone. He will not be able to change his philosiphy enough to change how he calls the end of the game. Kiffen did some good things and the players know that even if you are a so-called star with a big contract you still have to perform or you can sit or be gone. Give him two years and see what happens