Filed under: Raiders, AFC West
The Raiders filled their vacancy at offensive coordinator with the hiring of veteran NFL coach Al Saunders but the team's search for a new defensive coordinator continued.Raiders new head coach Hue Jackson had hoped to interview New York Jets secondary coach Dennis Thurman for the Raiders' defensive coordinator opening but was denied permission, according to news reports. Jackson decided soon after becoming Raiders head coach earlier this month that John Marshall would not be retained as the team's defensive coordinator.
Saunders' NFL resume includes two years as head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He has worked primarily as an offensive assistant, including in his latest job as an offensive consultant for the Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson was promoted to Raiders head coach after serving as the team's offensive coordinator this past season under fired coach Tom Cable. Before coming to Oakland, Jackson worked as an assistant with Baltimore, where he got to know Saunders.
Saunders ran the offenses during stays with the St. Louis Rams, the Washington Redskins and the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson plans to continue serving as the Raiders' primary play-caller but he'll have a seasoned hand in Saunders to brainstorm with and help put together the game plan.
The two will be tapping into a deep pool of offensive talent. Raiders running back Darren McFadden had a breakthrough season in his third year in the league and wide receiver Jacoby Ford made a huge impact as a rookie wideout and return specialist.
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