Tarver could be returning to the NFL in a coordinator capacity.

With the ease at which Dennis Allen replaced Al Saunders with Greg Knapp the defensive mined head coach of the Oakland Raiders must have thought doing the same for Chuck Bresnahan would be even easier. After all, he already had a man in mind in the form of Richard Smith whom Allen coached with in Denver.

At least that was the plan until the Donkeys denied the Raiders an interview with Smith. Same goes for Bill Johnson who the Saints gave the same non-stamp of approval for interview.

No worries though because Greg Manusky was available and had ties to the Bay Area. Too bad he chose the Indianapolis rebuilding project over the Oakland renovation for his choice of employment.

All those closed doors have left a couple names floating through the rumor mill both of which have ties to Reggie McKenzie and the Green Bay Packers. That’s a little like being unemployed and your best bet at finding work are all friends of your parents.

Dennis Allen has already had three strikes in trying to hire NFL defensive coaches so that’s why he’s turning to the NCAA specifically Stanford University.

According to reports, the Raiders are looking at Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to become the lone defensive coordinator of the silver and black.
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Manusky won't be returning to the Bay. (Photo: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE)

As Dennis Allen works to build his coaching staff there is one name he can cross of his list. Earlier this week Allen met with former Chargers and 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Today it is being reported that Manusky his headed to the Indianapolis Colts to help in their rebuilding effort.

PFT states that the Raiders could have interest in former Packers defensive coordinator Ed Donatell while another report states the Raiders have approached the Packers to talk to their cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. for the coordinator gig.

No matter which way the Raiders go there is no doubt the decision will be made by Allen and Allen alone.
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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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