HEAV
01-27-2008, 03:09 PM
Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is a huge proponent of body language. It is one of the primary tools he uses in judging whether a player is a suitable fit for his team.
Wide receiver Mike Williams, quarterback Andrew Walter and running back LaMont Jordan can attest to the importance placed on body language by Kiffin. Their perceived "language" played into extended stays on the sideline last season or a place in the unemployment line.
Make of it what you will, then, but Kiffin coached the North team in the Senior Bowl on Saturday in a black Under Armour jacket, while his assistants sported gear adorned with the Raiders logo.
Don't mistake that for a coincidence in light of Raiders managing general partner Al Davis reportedly drafting a resignation letter almost two weeks and sending it to Kiffin's representatives for Kiffin to sign.
Several Raiders officials Friday vehemently denied that Davis has stripped Kiffin of any authority over things such as personnel and coaching moves. However, they refused to confirm or deny the little matter of a resignation letter sent at Davis' behest.
Wide receiver Jerry Porter and several of his teammates were contacted for this story. Porter and the others either said they don't want to comment or they don't know enough about the situation to feel comfortable weighing in just yet.
Davis has yet to be heard from.
It bears noting that former Raiders coach Jon Gruden presided over his season-ending news conference at the conclusion of the 2001 season devoid of Raiders attire. He was shown the door a short time later.
An NFL Network reporter said Davis and Kiffin's representatives are working on a settlement that would free Kiffin from a contract that runs through the 2009 season. One person in the Raiders front office said that's a possibility but far from an imminent solution.
In other news, the Raiders requested permission from the Washington Redskins to interview offensive coordinator Al Saunders. That became a moot point when the Redskins fired Saunders on Saturday.
It remains unclear whether Saunders will be receptive to Oakland's overture. However, he has interviewed with Davis in the past.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_8092864
Wide receiver Mike Williams, quarterback Andrew Walter and running back LaMont Jordan can attest to the importance placed on body language by Kiffin. Their perceived "language" played into extended stays on the sideline last season or a place in the unemployment line.
Make of it what you will, then, but Kiffin coached the North team in the Senior Bowl on Saturday in a black Under Armour jacket, while his assistants sported gear adorned with the Raiders logo.
Don't mistake that for a coincidence in light of Raiders managing general partner Al Davis reportedly drafting a resignation letter almost two weeks and sending it to Kiffin's representatives for Kiffin to sign.
Several Raiders officials Friday vehemently denied that Davis has stripped Kiffin of any authority over things such as personnel and coaching moves. However, they refused to confirm or deny the little matter of a resignation letter sent at Davis' behest.
Wide receiver Jerry Porter and several of his teammates were contacted for this story. Porter and the others either said they don't want to comment or they don't know enough about the situation to feel comfortable weighing in just yet.
Davis has yet to be heard from.
It bears noting that former Raiders coach Jon Gruden presided over his season-ending news conference at the conclusion of the 2001 season devoid of Raiders attire. He was shown the door a short time later.
An NFL Network reporter said Davis and Kiffin's representatives are working on a settlement that would free Kiffin from a contract that runs through the 2009 season. One person in the Raiders front office said that's a possibility but far from an imminent solution.
In other news, the Raiders requested permission from the Washington Redskins to interview offensive coordinator Al Saunders. That became a moot point when the Redskins fired Saunders on Saturday.
It remains unclear whether Saunders will be receptive to Oakland's overture. However, he has interviewed with Davis in the past.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_8092864