The Raiders have mowed through head coaches since Jon Gruden was traded in 2002. A total of 10 men have tried and failed to attain or sustain competitiveness, with quick hooks for most.
That isn't just an Al Davis thing. His son Mark has continued a trend his late father was known for in the 2000s, unable to find a head coach that lasts. Dennis Allen, Jack Del Rio and interim coach Tony Sparano have come and gone in six years.
The coaching carousel, however, has stopped with Gruden. Mark Davis gave him a 10-year, $100 million contract, meaning he'll be around a while. Top assistants also received longer-than-usual deals, meaning the team's leaders and schemes won't change much.
Gruden believes that, and a better roster, will help the Raiders thrive.
"We have to improve the talent on this team," Gruden said Wednesday in an interview with KNBR 680-AM in San Francisco. "We also have to put a system in place here that our players can grow within. We've had 10 different head coaches since I've been here, and a number of different offensive (schemes). Poor (general manager) Reggie McKenzie has had to draft players to fit different schemes and systems.
"…The lack of continuity, the lack of system football has hurt us on offense and defense. It has certainly hurt the Raiders, and hopefully we can put a system in place we can draft into and develop players within. Hopefully that can carry us to high levels."
Quarterback Derek Carr's a prime example of someone constantly learning new schemes. He has played under three offensive coordinators and two different schemes in four years. Now he'll learn Gruden's system, but should have time to truly master it.
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So will the influx of new players. The Raiders will be more active in free agency than a year ago, as Gruden finds players who fit his mold and system preferences.
The defensive should get a major overhaul, and there could be some tweaks to Carr's skill players and maybe an addition at right tackle after a disappointing 6-10 season where the offensive underwhelmed.
"We have to play better, I know that," Gruden said. "We have to improve our roster. We have a lot to do here in free agency."
Free agency starts March 14. The offseason program begins April 2. Gruden was asked again Wednesday about player access restrictions he loathes – it's a common refrain in his interviews – and the work ethic that characterized his first coaching stretch in Oakland and Tampa Bay. That hasn't changed. Gruden is pushing hard to prepare for free agency, the NFL draft and the moment he can work directly with his players.
"I come in when it's dark. I leave when it's dark, and I love what I'm doing," Gruden said. "I'm not trying to prove anything or get points from anybody for working hard, but I can't wait to get up in the morning and come in here.
"I feel a large sense of responsibility. Mark Davis has trusted me with this. At least I can lead the league in effort. I've set out to do that. I've hired a great coaching staff; I couldn't be more proud of the guys we've assembled. We're implanting our scheme. We're preparing for free agency and the draft. We're ready to go to the combine in Indianapolis. We're excited to bring the Silver and Black back."
