Interview With Rich Gannon

It’s an interesting phenomenon to be on the same team at the same time yet remember the events of this time differently.  Hearing and reading former Raiders WR Tim Brown’s interview this past week made me think that sometimes truth is relative. Brown shared some colorful anecdotes about past playing days and the QB who was responsible for the success we had in those days, Rich Gannon.  He also mentioned the potential attacks on Rich he was able to avert.  Although I missed all the times Rich was “sure enough jumped on” or “almost” jumped on, I definitely didn’t miss the losing.  And Brown was right about one thing, Rich did come in with a hatred, but not for the Raiders.  His hatred was for the overall lack of discipline that had come to define the organization.  Being from Nebraska and very accustomed to winning, I had an instant respect for a guy who not only expected our teammates to be on time for meetings, but to not sleep or eat during them, and to know their routes and assignments as well.  I know, pretty incendiary stuff.   So to avoid the Bruce Springsteen cliché, I decided to talk to Rich mostly about the 2008 Raiders. And although we don’t usually speak so formally about our former team, we did this week as to avoid being jumped.

AT:       What are your thoughts on JaMarcus?

RG:      Physically, I don’t think there is any question he can play and be productive.

            What we need to find out is how he is progressing mentally in terms of his

            capacity to grow and master this system.   All the great ones are masters of

            their domain.  They understand the game plan as well as the play caller.  This

can take awhile.  Can he take over this team from a leadership standpoint and make it his own?  Because clearly, this is a team that is yearning for leadership.  As for this season, the coaching change and play caller change will only retard his development.

AT:       Do you think Al Davis can handle the Raiders?

RG:      With some assistance from a solid GM and personnel department.

AT:       Instead of a mid-season coaching change, what would you have liked to see

            happen?

RG:      The problem should have been addressed and settled in the off-season.  But I

            think the damage was done.   Communication between the owner and the coach

            has to be ongoing and productive.  I don’t think that has ever been the case.

AT:       What were Kiffin’s missteps? What were Al Davis’?

RG:      Both made poor decisions.  I wasn’t there but I’m sure it wasn’t just one.

AT:       Have you spoken with Kiffin? What advice have you offered him?      

RG:      Yes.  I told him to hang in there, keep his head up because he is a good coach  

            with a bright future.

AT:       On what specific issues and philosophies were you and Al Davis divergent?

RG:      The discipline, structure and systems of the organization must be key components of any successful team

AT:       What are the top 3 things the Raiders should do now to start moving in a positive     

            direction?

RG:      Hire a GM, Head Coach and Player Personnel guy who are all on the same page

            and have the same commitment to turning things around.  Then give them the

            authority to make key decisions as it relates to personnel.

AT:       Why was Gruden’s experience different than the other head coaches? How was he able to succeed in Oakland?

RG:      Because there was no one else like him.  He was tough, smart and hard working

            and he was able to work despite the set-up in Oakland.

AT:       Why do you think you had such a successful run?

RG:      Honestly . . . Gruden, Bruce Allen, Callahan . . . let’s start there.

AT:       Best memory as a Raider? Worst?

RG:      Every win with Gruden was memorable because we both put so much into each

            game.  Worst . . . that’s easy, the Super Bowl debacle.

AT:       What was the most frustrating aspect of playing for the Raiders?

RG:      I don’t want to offend anybody so let’s just say things could have been different

            and even better than our 3 straight AFC West Titles, AFC Championship Game

            appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.

AT:       With your playing days behind you, would you ever coach?

RG:      No.

AT:       So in closing, what types of players should the Raiders start drafting and signing?

RG:      Players who are tough-minded, disciplined, smart and have a desire to be the

            very best at what they do.  Players who aren’t afraid to speak the truth and

            challenge the system.  Players who lead by example and help those around them

            be better.  Where are these players?  They just don’t grow on trees; you have to

            train them.  This is where the Raiders are failing miserably.

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