CSN Bay Area

The Raiders have been extensively searching for their next head coach.

They’ve requested permission to speak with at least eight people and have interviewed seven. NFL sources have indicated that a hire could happen as early as Friday or, perhaps more likely, trail into early next week.

[BAIR: 2014 season review: Raiders MVPs]

With assistant coaches to hire -– or retain, depending on the man -– the Raiders don’t want to wait too long.

Interim head coach Tony Sparano’s formal interview on Wednesday was believed to be the last of the team’s initial wave. Let’s take a closer look at coaches the Raiders spoke to in recent days:

TONY SPARANO, Raiders interim head coach

Head coaching experience: Miami Dolphins 2008-11 (29-32 record); Oakland Raiders 2014 (3-9)

Outlook: Sparano has long been considered among the favorites to be Raiders head coach in 2015. He has support within the organization, but his 3-9 record (0-6 on the road) is a deterrent. He and owner Mark Davis have been in regular communication since he was promoted to head coach during a Week 5 bye, and that obviously includes early this offseason. His formal interview went well, according to sources. It’s believed that, unless another candidate jumps out, that Sparano will be retained.

JACK DEL RIO, Broncos defensive coordinator

Head coaching experience: Jacksonville Jaguars 2003-2011 (68-71 record)

Outlook: Del Rio spoke with Mark Davis last weekend and the Raiders owner was left with a positive impression. Sources indicated that Del Rio ranks among the favorites. He’s an East Bay native with family in the area and did some solid work in Jacksonville, with two playoff appearances. A major roadblock is his current employer. If the Broncos continue to advance through the playoffs, the Raiders could run out of patience. The Raiders brass must be hoping the Broncos lose a Divisional-Round game to Indianapolis, which would quickly free up Del Rio for a possible hire.

PEP HAMILTON, Indianapolis offensive coordinator

Head coaching experience: None

Outlook: Hamilton has received praise for his work developing Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in the pros and at Stanford, and could certainly help with the development of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie reportedly came away from a Sunday conversation impressed. The act also satisfies the Rooney rule and allows the Raiders to make a hire. The Colts are also still in the playoffs, but he could become available with a loss to Denver that would consequently keep Del Rio off limits.

PAT SHURMUR, Philadelphia offensive coordinator

Head coaching experience: Cleveland Browns 2011-12 (9-23 record)

Outlook: Shurmur has innovative offensive schemes that would surely bring excitement to a Raiders offense that has struggled in recent years, assuming it adds more talent. His best work has been as an offensive coordinator, though his lone head-coaching stint came from an often-dysfunctional Browns franchise.

MIKE SHANAHAN, Unemployed

Head coaching experience: Oakland Raiders 1988-89 (8-12 record); Denver Broncos 1995-2008 (138-86 record), Washington 2010-13 (24-40 record)

Outlook: Shanahan’s interview caused somewhat of a stir considering past issues with late owner Al Davis, but it seems unlikely to turn into anything more. In an interview with San Jose Mercury News columnist Tim Kawakami, Davis made the Shanahan interview sound like an exploration of a great offensive mind.

DARRELL BEVELL, Seattle offensive coordinator

Head coaching experience: None

Outlook: The young, yet still experienced coordinator was the Raiders’ first interview, but Bevell later said that owner Mark Davis was not present. Bevell’s name hasn’t been mentioned much beyond that initial conversation. Seattle remains in the playoffs, tying him up for the weekend at least, though likely longer.

ERIC MANGINI, 49ers tight ends coach

Head coaching experience: New York Jets 2006-08 (23-25 record); Cleveland Browns 2009-10 (10-22)

Outlook: Mangini interviewed on Monday and has head-coaching experience and a reputation as a strong defensive strategist. He also seems like a far reach to end up running the Raiders.

NOTE: The Raiders reached out for permission to speak with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, but a source said the Raiders have not reached out to Bowles camp since and that the popular head-coaching candidate is focused on interviews that have already been set up. …The Raiders reportedly reached out to Dallas passing game coordinator Scott Linehan, though nothing has come of it. The Cowboys are still in the playoffs.