Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia was granted the first interview in the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching search on Wednesday.
Bisaccia, 61, replaced Jon Gruden upon his Oct. 11 resignation amid a public scandal over leaked racist and insensitive emails sent by Gruden.
Bisaccia went 7-5 and guided the Raiders to the playoffs, earning vocal support of many of his current players. The longtime special teams coach had never been a head coach at any level before this season.
Pass rusher Maxx Crosby said Bisaccia is “one of a kind” and the “best man for the job.”
The only other known candidate for the position as of Wednesday is Jerod Mayo, the inside linebackers coach of the New England Patriots. Mayo also interviewed with other teams, most recently the Houston Texans, and is considered a rising star in coaching circles following a successful playing career.
Rumored candidates include Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and former Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson.
Complicating the hiring process is the Raiders’ companion opening at general manager. The unique structure of personnel power in Las Vegas included Gruden having control over the roster and final say in most moves over recently discarded GM Mike Mayock.
–Field Level Media