NFL Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders Rumors: Mike Holmgren To Coach Team?

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By @MichaelTerrill

Mike Holmgren

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The Oakland Raiders have found themselves in a desperate position after head coach Dennis Allen was fired due to a dismal 0-4 start. The only way the Raiders can put the franchise back on the map is by making a hire that will shatter the NFL world. Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie is well aware that the next head coach he hires could very well be his last, which is why rumors have it that he has targeted former colleague Mike Holmgren to be at the helm.

McKenzie was an administrator for the Green Bay Packers during the time Holmgren led the team back to the promise land. For that reason alone, McKenzie knows exactly the type of coach Holmgren is capable of being. More importantly, he is convinced Holmgren is one of only a handful of people who is capable of strapping the Raiders to his back and pulling them out of the disgraceful mud pit they have unfortunately found themselves in for the past several years.

To spill gasoline onto the fire that is the Oakland rumor mill, Holmgren visited the Raiders last week to have a discussion with the team’s front office. After the visit, he reportedly told Mitch Levy of Seattle Sports Radio KJR that he would “probably” not be the person McKenzie will hire for the job. The obvious reason being that Holmgren would like to stay retired, although he has stated in the past that he is willing to come out of retirement for the right role. The real question here is if the Raiders job is worth coming out of retirement for.

An obvious point would be that it is in the best interest of Holmgren to stay as far away from Oakland as possible. He already tarnished his legacy with the botched job as the team president of the Cleveland Browns from 2010-2012. Why should he take another chance at diminishing his quality name? One would think that being cemented in Packers lore forever would be enough.

Of course, being the person who resurrected winning in Green Bay and also possibly in Oakland would be quite a monstrous feat. That alone could be reason enough for Holmgren to roll the dice. He would be forever known as the man who brought joy back to two storied franchises.

It is no guarantee Holmgren will get the job even if he wants it. With that said, I have to imagine McKenzie would jump at the opportunity if the legendary coach gave him the green light.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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