It’s my understanding since Al Davis’ death – the worst kept secret was – when would Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie re-join the Oakland Raiders to become their chief football executive and general manager. I say re-join – because RAIDER NATION is in McKenzie’s DNA since his playing days as a Raider linebacker from 1985-1988. Al Davis selected him in the 10th round of the draft nearly 27 years ago. Here’s a review of Reggie McKenzie’s resume. McKenzie has worked in the Packer organization for the past 19years, starting as a scout and working to his current post as director of football operations.
It’s been about 10 years, since the Oakland Raiders hired a conventional executive not named Al David to handle the football day to day operations. Prior to the signing it was the consortium of Marc Davis (Owner) and John Madden (Consigliere/Chief Advisor) with Amy Trask (Raiders CEO). All are dedicated to bringing the Raiders back to where they were in the glory days of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. McKenzie is behind the scenes executive that doesn’t enjoy the limelight and prides himself on drafting and developing young talent.
So, when and where does the speculation start? I’m getting goose bumps from this feel-good story.
Here are my immediate questions on McKenzie’s first 100 days:
- How much absolute power will be given to McKenzie to turn this organization around?
- What will McKenzie do with Hue Jackson? (Coach Jackson has been the face of the Raiders this season)
- Do you stay with Carson Palmer? ( You over-reached by trading your 1st & 2nd round draft picks )
- When do the Green Bay assistants begin showing up in Oakland? (Green Bay WEST)
- Does McKenzie bring in his own coach? (It doesn’t sound like Jackson was part of the interview process)
Regardless, if McKenzie technically is unable to head up football operations until after the Packers playoff run – Hue Jackson is on notice that he’s the Raiders Head Coach and no longer wielding power given to him by the consortium. The league is filled with mediocrity (See NY JETS) and being the NFL organization to break the record for most penalties is nothing to be proud of.
Congratulations Reggie McKenzie and Good Luck! You’ll definitely need it!
Reggie McKenzie hired as Oakland Raiders General Manager http://t.co/r6SalHEN via @latenightparent
Can’t wait for Mckenzie to hit the ground running in Oakland. We all have our opinions on whether or not the Raiders should retain the services of Hue Jackson or move on in the wake of a disappointing season for the Raiders. We can all agree the Hue had some curveballs (injuries) thrown his way this season, and many are saying for that reason he should get another shot. I say thats bull, yes the Raiders could have been a lot better had they not been dealing with so many key injuries, but thats no excuse-The Packers had just as many injuries last season and managed to win the Super Bowl, by playing smart, with heart and playing as a team.-The Raiders went 1-4 in their last 5 games, had they just won 1 more game they would have made the post season and we wouldn’t be having this conversation, but they didn’t. The last 5 games the Raiders didn’t play smart they didn’t play as a team and some would argue they weren’t playing with very much heart either. They simply weren’t what we were promised by Hue Jackson, and that lies solely on him. The fans did their part selling out every home game this season for the 1st time since 1995, I wanna say the players even did their part. The coaches however didn’t, the job of a coach is to put his players in a position to succeed, and make smart decisions. The players were constantly out of position, over matched, and looking bewildered as to what their assignments were, constantly blowing coverages, missing tackles, and playing, well just ignorant football and making way too many mistakes to be a winning football team; and despite all that we’re still in a position to win many of their games. That where the coaching comes into play. Hue Jackson did not put his team in the best position to win some of those games. His playcalling and decision calling cost his team W’s.
continued from above^^^- Hue’s playcalling and decision making along with his inability to know his players strengths/weakness cost this team more than 1 win this season and ultimately cost his team the playoffs. The point is the coach is supposed remedy these things as the season progresses, or adjust accordingly, and Hue failed to do that. After all this he had the nerve to want more power at season’s end and threw everybody around him under the bus. He had the balls to trade a 1st & 2nd round pick, and then acted as if the team failed cuz he didn’t have enough say so. I belive Reggie will talk to the players to see how the feel about Hue, and the evaluate Hue himself, and whatever decision he makes about Hue’s future will be the best one for the team moving forward. Just glad theirs somebody in place to reign Hue in or send him packing. The Raiders fans don’t have to worry about trading one dictater for another. If Reggies does decide to let Hue stay he will have to improve his teams win/ loss record or he will surely be looking for a new job at the end of next season.
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