Now that the season is over, the focus of the Las Vegas Raiders will turn to finding a new permanent head coach for the team moving forward. But the franchise still has other personnel to consider, with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham making the rounds around the league.
The Raiders defense has certainly shown some improvement over the course of the season, especially over the last five games, allowing just 15 points per game. So while other teams are showing interest in Graham, the Raiders don’t want to let him go just yet, at least for a lateral move.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Raiders have blocked requests from other teams to interview Graham for the defensive coordinator position.
Teams can prohibit their coordinators from making lateral moves, so the Raiders were able to make that decision. It’s not a head coaching job, but the Los Angeles Chargers have requested an interview with Graham for a head coaching opening, which shows the respect Graham has earned around the league.
In particular, the Raiders must let whoever is the permanent manager make up their own mind about personnel succession. If Antonio Pierce gets the job, Graham could stay with the team.
If someone like Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh takes the job, he could think of someone else to give Graham the freedom to do what he wants.The Raiders have a roster capable of taking the next step in the playoffs, but the franchise must make the right decision about who takes over.
Pierce has done a great job as an interim coach and some of his success is down to his coordinators.
Graham is considered a potential future coach in this league. The Raiders believe in him, too, so they’re not ready to let him go just yet. Or at least they will move from there until a new manager is announced.
