The Oakland Raiders are apparently zeroing in on a favorite candidate to become their head coach, replacing Hue Jackson who was in Oakland for one season with an 8-8 record. The finalist in question is Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos this past season. Adam Schefter writes via Twitter, “Raiders have identified Broncos DC Dennis Allen as the leading candidate to become their next HC. Raiders told other candidates they’re out.”
Allen was already rumored to get a second interview today and apparently that’s good enough for Reggie McKenzie, the team’s new general manager who came over from the Green Bay Packers. Allen has been a defensive assistant in the league since 2002 with the Atlanta Falcons and then the New Orleans Saints. However, it’s a quick ascension for a coach who was just in his first year as a coordinator in 2011 and speaks volumes about how well the interview process must have went with McKenzie.
No official word has yet been given.