The idea of Teryl Austin on the Oakland Raiders’ coaching staff was a good one.
It won’t happen, but it was an interesting five hours or so. Plus, it offered a glimpse of what the staff of Jon Gruden can look like.
This could be an all-star group.
To clear things up on Austin, he will reportedly head to Cincinnati to become the Bengals’ defensive coordinator. He will replace Paul Guenther on Marvin Lewis’ staff. Guenther will join Gruden’s staff in the same role.
Austin, the former DC of the Detroit Lions, was reported to be wooed by Gruden this morning to become the Raiders’ defensive backs coach and assistant head coach job. The truth is, Austin went with the better gig, at least, in terms of title.
But there’s little doubt, he probably considered taking a lesser title and heading west to join the Chucky Show.
Assistant coaches should want to join Gruden’s staff. This is one of the best staffs to join in the league and probably the best of the available jobs in this coaching cycle.
Why? Well, there’s a lot of reasons.
First, no NFL coach is more secure than Gruden now. He is getting $100 million over 10 years. He’s not going anywhere for a long time. Assistant NFL coaches and their families live a transient life. They are often on the move and it’s a difficult personal life. So, signing up for a staff where the head coach has unreal security must be appealing. Of course, Gruden’s assistants aren’t getting 10-year deals, but coaches like to bet on themselves. If I’m a coach joining Gruden’s staff, I’m betting that I’m there for the long haul with the boss man.
In addition to rare NFL security, a spot on Gruden’s staff offer more. Location, winning and the promise of a wild ride are all part of the lure.
The Raiders are moving to Las Vegas in two years. There is no state tax in Nevada. That will be appealing to everyone involved. Also, Gruden has a chance to win in Oakland. Everyone want to win.
And who can resist a ride on the Chucky Express? The Raiders are going to have a buzz about them. Coaches love a good buzz. It fires everyone up.
The pursuit of Austin was ambitious because he had a better offer. But Gruden can swing for the fences as he fills out his staff because the Jon Gruden Oakland Raiders’ coaching staff is the most desirable in the NFL.
It is important for Gruden to have a strong staff. He has been away from the sideline for nine years. He will catch up, but having a strong staff filled with current coaches will help Gruden get back up to speed.
Gruden and his stability (the 10 year deal) should be inviting to coaches, the proven and the up and coming.
Hopefully it all leads to immediate and consistent wins.
I’m loving this snake pit, it’s really in-depth and these guys as you c know first hand. I’ve always been a fan of Williamson
Thank a ton, Tim.
Tim, we appreciate the kind words very much. Thanks for being part of this.
Your freaking fat ass landed here??..Holy shit
I hope he pursues Gannon as a Position Coach. It took awhile the first time around but Gannon finally got what Gruden was about. Who better to mentor Carr about footwork and blitz reads etc… Olson can work the playbook with Derek and Coop and help them understand Gruden as much as the book. It was pretty lame last year watching a first down handoff to Lynch EVERY time
Hey Bill, as soon as you mentioned Kenny Stabler’s foundation was involved I was hooked. I have been a rabid Raider fan in Toronto since the AFL days. Snake was my all time favourite too. This site is great and I look forward to more great reading about the Raiders
Hey Bill. Great insights. I like the staff as it is being formed so far. Qq though? Why no news on Gannon? Is it due to his ongoing network responsibilities or has interest cooled in either direction?
Thanks!
David R.