Olson’s hiring announces the return of the power running game lost last season in Dennis Allen’s preference to switch to a zone oriented scheme. His past experience coordinating some explosives offenses in St. Louis and Tampa Bay makes Olson an ideal coach to maximize the most of Oakland’s talent very much unlike the hatchet job Greg Knapp did last season.

As for April, he arrives with a great pedigree in coaching special teams in the NFL. Twice during his lengthy career April has been named Special Teams Coach of the Year. In addition during his years of service he’s coached players that have gone to the Pro Bowl as special teamers and has helped turn around under performing units much like Oakland’s last season.

There are still a few more hires to be made but as of now the biggest one of all, offensive coordinator is locked in as the Raiders staff heads off to Alabama to coach in the Senior Bowl.