As the Raiders search for a general manager to replace Reggie McKenzie, one “strong candidate” has emerged from the pack. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports (via Twitter) that analyst Mike Mayock has interview for the team’s GM position is “firmly in the mix” for the open gig.
Garafolo cautions that Mayock is “one of a few” candidates for the position, noting that the Raiders have “kept their interviews quiet.” NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the Raiders have interviewed “at least one candidate who is a minority,” satisfying the Rooney Rule. Therefore, they’re allowed to make a hire at any time.
College scouting director Shaun Herock has been filling in for McKenzie as GM, and it sounds like the team could give him a look for the position. Current Raiders executive Joey Clinkscales could also establish himself as a candidate, especially after being listed on the Fritz Pollard Alliance’s annual list of minority candidates for general manager vacancies. However, the organization hasn’t publicly said that they’ll be keeping McKenzie’s former right-hand man.
We previously heard that longtime Giants general manager Jerry Reese had turned down the opportunity to interview for the Raiders’ GM opening. Other potential candidates include Jets director of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger, Jaguars player personnel director Chris Polian, Lions exec Jimmy Raye III and Gruden’s former Buccaneers coworker Mark Domenik.
As our own Rory Parks previously pointed out, it currently seems that whoever serves as the Oakland GM right now would be little more than a figurehead and a yes man for head coach Jon Gruden. Gruden’s second stint with the Raiders has already been sullied by frequent reports of internal discord, and it is likely that the club will have difficulty attracting an established GM candidate.
Mayock would seem to fit that bill. The 60-year-old has worked with the NFL Network since 2004, and he’s currently serving as a draft analyst. The former safety has spent time as a commentator, analyst, and reporter for the NFL, CFL, and college football. The Redskins considered Mayock for their GM opening last offseason.
The Raiders should staff the entire organization with former sports commentators.
Yes, get well soon, Matt Millen. The Raiders need you.
The problem with the raiders is much deeper than that and it all starts with the owner haircut
I don’t understand how it can be that hard to find someone who can work with gruden
Because any respectable GM wants final say over the roster which they wouldn’t have with Gruden.
You don’t understand Phattey really?
Gruden has 9 years left on his contract and is firmly in control. Any GM effectively is working for Gruden who is the real GM.
Thus this position is nothing more than an assistant GM
What a mess of an organization
Forget all that mess of an organization stuff.
This is the 1st NFL franchise in Las Vegas.
Guys should be lined up trying to be the gm no matter if It’s really great and show a run or you’d only be an assistant to him.
an NFL franchise in Las Vegas. It’s gonna be a win all around.