USC's Steve Sarkisian Gets Second Interview With Oakland Raiders -- Big Raiders Mistake

It's personally vexing to me that Mr. Davis and the Raiders would reach for someone who ultimately will have to deal with much more than just play calling. I think it's a terrible move. I appreciate how much he wants the job but it's not like being a head coach is a simple matter. I do wish the Raiders would take a hard, long look at how their organization works.

Right now, it's still as if decisions are made on a whim, rather than with hard analysis. It seems as if the organization is in real denial regarding what causes its problems, and that's the simple fact that it has no long term plan for anything. It's really an example in how not to run a football organization and the results show up on the field.

Raiders, Sarkisian chat again - First candidate to get a second interview, he might get an offer, too
By Steve Corkran - MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2007 07:49:20 AM PST

USC assistant coach/quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian returned Wednesday for a second interview for the Raiders coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search process confirmed.

There are strong indications that Sarkisian won't be leaving town without an offer to be the Raiders' next coach.

Sarkisian, 32, met with Raiders managing general partner Al Davis and other team officials throughout the day Wednesday and into the night. The parties are scheduled to pick up today where they left off Wednesday night, with the potential of the interview lasting until Friday some time.

The Raiders didn't release any details regarding Sarkisian's interview, per team policy. Sarkisian could not be reached for comment.

Sarkisian was the first candidate known to have interviewed with the Raiders, 10 days ago and four days after Davis fired Art Shell. He also is the only candidate who has received a second interview.

In between, Davis interviewed former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton.

Former Raiders assistant coach Marc Trestman also interviewed with Davis but not for the coaching vacancy. He was interviewed as a potential successor to Tom Walsh and John Shoop as the offensive coordinator.After his first interview Jan. 8, Sarkisian said: "It went extremely well. Anytime you get an opportunity to interview with a man like Al Davis, it's a great opportunity and one I'll cherish."

He added that his decision on whether to accept the Raiders job, if offered, won't hinge upon anything that happens with current USC coach Pete Carroll and USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, both of whom have been linked to other job openings in the NFL and college.

"I'm going for this job 100 percent," Sarkisian said. "I'm solely focused on this job with the Oakland Raiders."

Several people close to Davis said he is intent upon identifying and hiring a young coaching prospect. Davis also said he wants a "play-caller" as his next coach.

Sarkisian's role at USC does not include calling plays. Kiffin handles that aspect of the offense. Sarkisian works from the sideline and confers with Carroll on what plays might work best in a particular situation.

Sarkisian has worked with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and current USC quarterback John David Booty the past two years. He also worked with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in his first coaching stint at USC.

He coached Rich Gannon, Kerry Collins and Marques Tuiasosopo during his one season as the quarterbacks coach with the Raiders in 2004. Raiders finished eighth in passing that season. This season, the Raiders ranked 31st in passing.

Davis has a long history of hiring little-known and inexperienced coaches to run the Raiders. He hired Pro Football Hall of Fame coach John Madden in 1969, when Madden was in his early 30s. Davis hired current Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden in 1998, when Gruden was only 34. He also hired current Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in 1988, when Shanahan was only 35.

All three won at least one Super Bowl, though only Madden accomplished the feat with the Raiders. Davis fired Shanahan four games into the'89 season. The Raiders traded Gruden to the Buccaneers after Gruden's fourth season with the Raiders in 2001. Madden retired after a 10-year career from 1969-78.