ALAMEDA -- The Dennis Allen Era didn’t produce wins -- just eight in 36 chances. You can’t argue with results, but there are plenty of players who vouch for their former head coach.
“A good man lost his job,” said rookie quarterback Derek Carr. “Everyone has to take responsibility for that, not just him.
“We needed to play better.”
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“It sucks,” said eight-year veteran Usama Young. “It’s one of the things that you don’t look forward to as a player. I take accountability in my actions and in my play on the field.”
Young, who recently spoke to his old coach via telephone, shares the most history with Allen; the defensive back and secondary coach celebrated victory in Super Bowl XLIV during a four-year stint together with the New Orleans Saints from 2007-2010.
“Just telling him that I appreciate him,” Young said of their conversation. “He’s always been a great coach, always been a great guy. I respect him to the fullest. At the same token, it’s just a tough conversation to have.
“But he’s a great guy. I have the utmost respect for him.”
It can’t be an easy thing for Allen, accepting the scapegoat role.
“He was disappointed,” GM Reggie McKenzie said. “Obviously disappointed that he didn’t get it done. He was prideful that way.”
Still, there’s no reason to feel sorry for Allen. The team is rife with belief that he’ll land on his feet.
“He’s a good coach,” Carr affirmed. “And he’s going to have another great job when that time comes.”
Plus, the Raiders owe him more than $3 million from his reported four-year, $8 million contract.
