Keeping Edgar Bennett in the fold could get Raiders Davante Adams
The Las Vegas Raiders coaching staff is coming together, with wide receiver’s coach Edgar Bennett staying on board.
New Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is wasting no time in putting together his coaching staff after being announced as the new Raiders head coach earlier this week. As with any hiring, we’ll see the incoming coach bring in their own people, but more often than not, some coaches that were part of the previous regime stay on board.
For example, Tom Cable, who returned to the Silver and Black as Jon Gruden’s offensive line coach, will not be returning. In fact, he’s been removed from the team’s website. On the other hand, Edgar Bennett is staying on board as part of McDaniels’ new staff. That’s interesting for a few reasons.
"“Edgar Bennett staying with the Raiders is a low-key big deal. Highly respected offensive assistant with great rapport with players.” –Vincent Bonsignore, Las Vegas Review-Journal"
Bennett is a respected assistant in the NFL given his track record in the league. First off, as a player, he was a part of Mike Holmgren’s Green Bay Packers of the mid-90s that went on to win Super Bowl XXXI. In his post-retired career, Bennett was a part of the Packers’ organization from 2005–to 2017.
One of the main reasons McDaniels kept Bennett was likely to maintain continuity on the offensive staff. Much like Rich Bisaccia, Bennett has a great relationship with the players on the current roster. Maintaining some level of comfort and familiarity as the team transitions under a new head coach is important. As Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal pointed out, this is a low-key big deal.
"Bennett has done a great job with Renfrow and Ruggs, as well as vets Agholor and Jones. –Vic Tafur, The Athletic"
Another reason why the Raiders kept Bennett around could be..
Since coming on board, Bennett has done a masterful job of grooming the Raiders’ wide receivers. Nelson Agholor, Henry Ruggs III, and Hunter Renfrow all saw tremendous growth under the assistant’s guidance. Nevertheless, Bennett also did a fantastic job with another well-known wide receiver, Davante Adams.
"Edgar Bennett coached Davante Adams in Green Bay. Just saying. –Bill Williamson, S&B Pride"
Is it a coincidence? Well, it depends on who you ask. McDaniels could’ve easily brought in his own assistant to handle Bennett’s duties. The Raiders have been linked to Adams ever since quarterback Derek Carr made it clear he wanted to play with his old college buddy.
Is it a likelihood? Anything’s possible, though the Raiders will have to cough up some serious coin to land Adams. Before that can take place, Adams has to be freed from the clutches of the Packers. Given recent developments surrounding that organization, maybe something is aloof. If that’s the case, Bennett would likely be joining not only his college quarterback but his old positional coach and offensive coordinator.
Even if Adams doesn’t come to Sin City, Bennett will have his hands full this training camp with what will likely be at least one new rookie wide receiver and perhaps a big-name free-agent addition.