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We finally have an update on where the Raiders’ search for a new offensive coordinator stands. According to Steve Corkran the first name that has appeared in the rumor mill is former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz.

Of course Martz’s days as a head coach have long since been over. After being fired from his gig in St. Louis Martz has made stops in San Francisco, Detroit and Chicago serving in an offensive coordinator capacity.

The good news is Martz has earned the reputation as a progressive offensive mind very much the opposite of the bland design of Greg Knapp. Martz was largely credited for creating the Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf offense that set the football world on fire.

The bad news is Martz also has a reputation for putting the offensive in offensive coordinator. His personality has been known to rub many the wrong way and he has a tendency to be stubborn in his play calling. That’s something that will not stand in Oakland not after going through an entire year of being told to be patient with Knapp’s offense.

No telling the level of interest the Raiders have in hiring Martz. This could be nothing more than a starting point. No doubt Dennis Allen will wonder what each candidate he interviews has in mind for getting the most out of Darren McFadden. Last season saw McFadden reach record lows in his production. That too cannot happen again.

Also in coaching news, the Raiders are said to have reached out to former Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line coach turned defensive coach reverting back to O-line coach Juan Castillo for the job of coaching up Oakland’s line.

Raiders willing to roll the dice on Tice?

While the Raiders have yet to officially confirm many of the names being rumored as candidates for the coaching vacancy the reports keep pouring in from various sources. The latest man in the mix is Mike Tice, the current offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears though he’s only held that title for a hot second.

Tice was promoted from offensive line coach to coordinator following the recent retirement of Mike Martz. Before his current stint with the Bears Tice was the mediocre head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Yet another uninspired candidate for Reggie McKenzie to meet with if the reports are accurate.

Thus far the Raiders haven’t shown much interest in pursuing a more established coach. The majority of the names mentioned have either had no head coaching experience or were, at best, well below average as head coaches.
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You spent the free agency period convincing Al Davis to sign offensive linemen. You didn’t bat an eye when Mr. Davis dialed you and uttered three nouns – “Darrius Heyward-Bey“. You inherited Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Any one of those aforementioned runners would be an upgradge for most NFL teams, having all three is a luxury. When you were introduced as the newest head coach of the Oakland Raiders you proclaimed to the world that you would be calling the plays despite that fact that Paul Hackett and Ted Tollner – two former offensive coordinators – were on your coaching staff.

Now, Raider Nation eagerly anticipates your next move with all the pieces laid out on the checkered board.

Some say that Darren McFadden should be the lynchpin. Others argue that Michael Bush is the key to success. Many see JaMarcus Russell and Zach Miller as the keys to unlocking a dynamic offense.

Cable's in Charge

The $64,000 question is what will define your offense, Coach Cable?

We all know that John Marshall shoulders a great burden and your success is linked directly to his. But you’re the man calling the shots. You’re the president with one sweaty finger hovering just above that ominous red button. 

Many have wondered if you are a marionette being manipulated by the man upstairs.  Some of us hear the gust of the Autumn Wind whenever you speak. Whatever the case is, you’ll be judged by your wins and losses and not your personality.

We don’t care if you have to scold JaMarcus by giving the playbook to Jeff Garcia. If keeping a clipboard in Garcia’s hand all season while giving him the best seat in the house to watch Russell pitch the rock is the best bet. So be it.

All we want is a team we can be proud of and results that cannot be ignored.

Plain and simple: We want wins.

So, Coach Cable, since this is your offense and you so boldly said that we were going to see the Silver and Black playing in January, we want to know how you’re going to manage an arsenal that has Mike Martz  busting out the baby oil.

I’m not trying to call you out. I’m just trying to keep you honest.

For the record: We all like you. You have all the qualities that we Raider Faithful believe in. The team responded to you when no group of millionaires who value vacation time over pain would have ever considered laying it on the line against Houston or in Tampa. While the world laughed as you threw DeAngelo Hall out of the locker room, we sat patiently and awaited the bigger picture to reveal itself.

Now, as a nation, we have but one question.

What will define your offense, Coach Cable?

We’ve suffered through the bed and breakfast offense of 2006 that made Randy Moss look like Randy Quaid. You might think our standards are lowered but in fact quite the opposite. There are three Lombardis that force us to expect much more. This is not San Diego. Simply getting to the playoffs is not enough. However, just being able to cheer in January is a great start.

Again, I ask you, Tom Cable. What will define your offense? 

You alluded to a return to the vertical game. Now you have three receivers that run like the wind and range from 5’11″ to 6’3″.

No more excuses!

This is your offense and you’re gambling with our team; time to put up or shut up.

We look forward to the sneak preview against the Cowboys on Thursday, August 13^th.

P.S. – Some of us still can’t get over that fake field goal against Kansas City. We appreciate the moxie but please don’t ever ask a 260 pound kicker who runs a 6.5 second 40 to tote the pill.