April 1, 2008
Lane Kiffin Speaks and the Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief
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Lane Kiffin and Rob Ryan will once again stalk the sidelines in 2008.
After months of speculation, many dead trees, and even more bandwidth expended, Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin spoke to the media on the supposed rift between him and owner Al Davis, the new acquisitions, Rob Ryan, and even Javon Walker's thoughts on opening the season against Denver. For those keeping track, he even was reportedly sporting a Raider polo shirt. Much like Jerry MacDonald, MVN did not send me to the owners' meeting to cover the Raiders so I have to take my info from other sources.
According to ESPN.com Kiffin said that Darren McFadden looks to be a very good player, but the Raiders have enough running backs. He also said the prime need was at defensive line. (Maybe he DOES read this space.)
This is also the days leading to the draft and April Fools' Day so Kiffin could be telling it like it is, or he could be sending up smoke screens. Either way, at least he is showing that he realizes that there is still a need at the DL position.
Jerry MacDonald of the Oakland Tribune reported:
“It’s very unique,” Kiffin told the media. “He’s an owner who is very hands-on, who prides himself on his knowledge of football. It’s not the easiest job. I know people have left because of that. at the same time, he is someone who has done a lot of things in this league _ coach, (AFL), commissioner, owner _ and has a lot of knowledge.”Kiffin said at the end of the season defensive coordinator Rob Ryan decided it would be best if he moved on. With Ryan under contract, Davis felt otherwise.
“We talked a bout alot of things and a lot of different scenarios that could come up, and Al decided to stay with Rob. Rob has one year left on his contract. I’ve always had a very good relationship with Rob.”
It is good to finally see Kiffin address the situation with Ryan that has been hanging in the air like the stench from a tallow plant on a summer day. Now that Kiffin has opened the Raiders chamber of secrets on this mess, the stories will go away.
The emergence of Kiffin from the shadows has brought a feeling of relief over the Raider Nation. The rumors of whether or not Kiffin would be the coach for 2008 kept hanging over everything, dampening some of the enthusiasm for the recent additions. Now the coaching is in place. The new additions have to get acclimated to the Raiders, and the draft is just around the corner.
6 months and 7 days until the Raiders host the Broncos to open things up.
Discussion
8 Comments on "Lane Kiffin Speaks and the Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief"
#1
Posted by Kiffin speaks and the Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief - Oakland Raiders Forum | Message Boar, April 1, 2008 4:19 PM
[...] speaks and the Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - Most Valuable Network ª Blog Archive ª Lane Kiffin Speaks and th... __________________ "While there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a [...]
#2
Posted by OakFoSho, April 1, 2008 5:00 PM
Well......
I believe in misdirection with regards to the draft, so good job Kiff. I am happy that Kiff finally put all these Raider Hating rumors to bed.
Al's Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
#3
Posted by OakFoSho, April 1, 2008 5:06 PM
By the way......
This is a great day to be a Oakland and Bay Area Native. Not only do the A's have their home opener (So exited about all the young talent), but the Dubz are in San Antonio trying to hold onto a playoff spot (Diddy Time!!), The Sharks have fan appreciation night on the last regular season home game against the rival Kings before the march to Lord Stanley's Cup begins, and Kiff actually spoke and refuted all the rumors.
What a great day, and I don't think it could get any better!
Al's Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
#4
Posted by J. Rasmussen, April 1, 2008 5:51 PM
yeah, it's especially nice that kiff says he had input on the aquisitions. I expect us to take some time to get on the same page but hopefully the team will gel in time to make a playoff push. I live in Redskin/Raven territory and all the skins fans are crapping on our FA signing spree likening it to LiL Danny Snyders sprees of late. The difference is WE were the ones to teach danny how to do it. Comparing Al's football knowlege and Danny's is rediculous. Al's cane has more experience than danny and vinny (cerrato) combined!
#5
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Lane Kiffin Speaks and the Raider Nation breathes a sigh of relief | Th, April 1, 2008 6:18 PM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#6
Posted by Brother-In-Law, April 1, 2008 8:32 PM
know what's funny? i literally breathed an actual, audible sigh of relief when i read about Lane speaking...no joke...good title for the article
i've been pleased with the offseason to this point...happy to see Al making moves. but in the back of my mind there's always the whole 'Lane vs. Al, days of our lives b.s'. that's been going on...i mean, the media obviously put a negative spin on things and blew it up, but it was clear that these two guys weren't going bass fishing together on the weekends, either
that's why i like how Lane came out and was kinda real about it...he wasn't kissin' ass, but he wasn't playing the malcontent neither...these two guys need each other, regardless of ego issues...it's Al's show and it's always gonna be, for good reason, in my opinion...i don't pretend to know what Lane's thinking, but i think he realizes his place now...if he could just accept the way it goes down in the Raider organization, then he could focus on doing what he does best: coaching football players. something that i think he's gonna have a lot of success with...but for it to happen here he needs to let Al be the boss.
a smart young coach with Mr. Davis at the helm has been a very successful formula in the past, i see no reason to think otherwise now...i mean, it's not like Al's pinching pennies....looks like he's stockin' up for war if you ask me
#7
Posted by jeff knows, April 3, 2008 4:57 PM
Its all the same bullshit year after year JUST DIE AL !!!!!!!!!!!!!
#8
Posted by OakFoSho, April 4, 2008 12:32 AM
Jeff Knows,
The fact that you would say this proves the fact that you have no respect for the history of this great game which Al Davis helped shape. Shame on you for wishing the death of the greatest owner in pro football history, and your Raider Fan Liscence is REVOKED!! What a PRICK!!
Al's Mandate is McFadden!!
OakFoSho
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