While the Raiders sort out their head coaching situation, it seems like they have some interest in keeping at least one of their defensive assistants in the building next year.
According to Sports Illustrated insider Hondo Carpenter, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is expected to find a new team, but the Raiders aren’t ready to let defensive line coach Rob Leonard leave the building just yet.
“I’ve been able to confirm something that’s not been publicly relayed. I have been told there is more than one team that put a slip in to interview Rob Leonard and that the Raiders have denied it. They have denied him the opportunity to interview at other places,” Carpenter said on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast.
”I can only confirm one team, but I’m told that there was more than one. Because I haven’t confirmed it, I’m only going to tell you I know for a fact that one team has.”
Presumably, the Raiders view Leonard as a candidate to take over for Graham, and Hondo hinted on a previous podcast that Leonard’s presence could play a factor in retaining some of the team’s priority free agents.
The majority of the expiring contracts on the Raiders’ roster are on the defensive side of the ball and that list of players includes Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane, Adam Butler, Malcolm Koonce, Nate Hobbs, K’Lavon Chaisson and Divine Deablo.
Maxx Crosby has hinted that he might want a change of scenery next year and it’s fair to wonder if he would be an advocate for his position coach to get a promotion.
As of Sunday, it looks like Ben Johnson is still the front runner to be the Raiders next head coach, but there is a minor hiccup that could develop in the days ahead.
We’ll talk about that situation a little more on Monday.
x: @raidersbeat
Do it that would make maxx very happy.
Whoever the coach is they’ll pick the staff they want .
Not necessarily. The Raiders could establish that Leonard comes with the job. It by far would not be the first time
If the guys attitude for his Defense is to be extremely aggressive then I’m all for it keep him, but too change the CO versatile a little, All I know is if Al Davis was still Alive he would Snag up Aaron Rodgers in a Heartbeat, Al is Smart enough to know that it takes about a year and a Half to get your legs Back Under you after a Achillies injury, Al was the King at taking Players everybody else thought was too Old or Washed Up and turning them into Champions again, he would grab Rodgers no Doubt, people in Raiders Organization these Days are just “Stupid”!
Start packing Crosby, you are too much like Jacob’s and Adam’s. Maybe you will get lucky and get 10 sacks next year in your new home. Remember the Raiders raised your salary without anyone even knowing. This is how you disrespect the Raiders? Wow! Clean your locker your history. Pay koonce and get chase young in town. So sick and tired of this nonsense.