The Raiders still don’t have a defensive coordinator. It’s been nearly two weeks since Jack Del Rio was hired as head coach, and he hoped this particular position would be an easy hire.
His hope was that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith -- Del Rio’s defensive coordinator for four seasons in Jacksonville -- would take the job. That hasn’t happened to this point. Interviewee Eric Mangini took the defensive coordinator job in Santa Clara with the 49ers, pushing the Raiders on to other options.
[RELATED: Raiders coaching staff at a glance]
That reportedly includes a dip into the college ranks. The Raiders will meet with Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham to fill their DC vacancy, NBC4 in Washington, D.C., reported on Monday morning. Reporter Dianna Marie Russini also said that Grantham is a favorite to land the job.
While Grantham is currently a college coach, the 48-year old has NFL experience. He was defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns from 2005-07, and has been a defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001), Houston Texans (2002-04) and Dallas Cowboys (2008-09).
The Raiders already have a linebackers coach (Sal Sunseri) and secondary coach (Marcus Robertson) in place for the new coordinator.
[RELATED: Raiders name Sunseri, three other assistants]
Nominate your favorite All-Star Teacher today!
