If I had to sum up the Oakland Raiders new head coach, Dennis Allen, with one word, I'd have to say "intense." And, I like what I heard today from Allen after he was introduced by the Raiders general manager, Reggie McKenzie. McKenzie himself seemed extremely excited, and I got the feeling he was sincere in saying he that he "found his guy."
Of course, we won't know how it will all turn out until the 2012 season gets under way, but I have a very good feeling that Allen is the man to finally get the Raiders back to where they should be. He stressed that it's a new beginning for the team, and with all the changes that are taking place it certainly feels that way.
For the first time in the last half century, the Raiders' head coach will be taken seriously and be able to make a lot of decisions that he needs to. He has the ability to hire his own staff, whereas, in the past much of that was up to the late owner, Al Davis. Davis believed in the players, and not the coaches, and this will be a big, and much needed, change in my opinion.
Although his staff was not announced yet, Allen said he'll release that information as soon as the entire staff has been hired. Steve Corkran with the Bay Area News Group said he doesn't believe there is a chance that defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan will be a part of that staff, and that he hasn't been seen in the Alameda offices for quite some time.
Corkran did say that he believes offensive coordinator Al Saunders will stay, and I also hope that is the case. He did a good job, and was part of the Raiders' great offensive performances.
Allen talked about how he admired the Raiders teams of the '70s and '80s, in that they had passion, discipline and respect for the game. He remarked, "The vision for the future of the Oakland Raiders is going to be just that -- it's going to be a tough, smart, disciplined, committed football team."
I haven't heard one bad word said about Allen. Everyone who has worked with him has nothing but glowing words, and it's obvious that they were very impressed by everything about the man. Of course, the reality is, he's not been a head coach before so we won't know until he's out there doing the job, but from what I've seen and heard, there are great possibilities ahead for the future of the Silver and Black.
K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett.
More from this contributor:
Oakland Raiders Hire Broncos' Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen: Fan Reaction
Oakland Raiders: Fan's Look at the Highest Scoring Team in Franchise History
Oakland Raiders Last AFC Championship Game Vs Tennessee Titans: Fan's Look
Oakland Raiders Fan: Dispelling the Rumors on Jackson, Palmer, and a New Stadium
