With all of the movement on the staff it is becoming difficult to keep track of who is staying and who is going. Of course, with only a couple of coaches staying put (as of now) it is much easier to start with the men that don’t have to clean out their offices.

Kelly Skipper has received high praise for his work with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. That’s why it was a done deal for Allen to retain the services of Skipper as the running backs coach. Both Bush and McFadden have a great deal of respect for their position coach as you’d expect from two men that have featured prominently in Oakland’s offense.

Stefen Wisniewski got high praise during his rookie year. Playing both guard and center during the season the New Wiz showed plenty of promise. Therefore it is just good business sense to keep his 8-time All-Pro uncle Steve Wisniewski on the coaching staff.

While Wisniewski is staying the man he answers to is gone. Bob Wylie might have done the best coaching job of any member on Oakland’s staff last season. His offensive line allowed the 4^th fewest sacks in the league and was by far the biggest surprise of the season for the Raiders. However Allen has allowed Wylie to move on, choosing to replace the O-line coach with Frank Pollack. Pollack comes over with Greg Knapp from the Houston Texans.
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Hue Jackson gets yet another coach in his offensive cupboard and as you’d expect, he’s excited.

“Bob is a spectacular teacher, motivator and drill sergeant. His vast knowledge and experience, including last year with a team in our division will really help us as we move forward in assembling a really good offensive line.”

Wylie joins the Silver and Black after sharing similar duties for the rival Denver Donkeys. His job puts him on the hot seat as the offensive line has been among the most inconsistent performing units on the team. Wylie has made stops at all levels including a brief stint in Canada where he coached on a couple teams that made trips to the Grey Cup.

There really is no gray area in the East Bay. Wylie needs to get into the trenches and get down to business immediately. While Jared Veldheer showed great improvement over the course of his rookie year, there are plenty of holes to be filled and questions to be answered. Robert Gallery could be gone and Cooper Carlisle could be done. Meaning both guard positions might be turned over. In addition, there is still no real solution as to who will be playing opposite Veldheer at the right tackle position. Khalif Barnes has contributed little in his two years as a Raider. Langston Walker became the starter by default but was eventually replaced as the Mario Henderson experiment ended on the left side of the line.  

All in all, Wylie has his work cut out for him. Hopefully Al Davis will get him some help in the draft and free agency because trying to stay the course with the same personnel just isn’t going to cut it.