Finding the Raiders’ defensive coordinator will be a quick process

Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said the process of hiring a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately and be swift.

There are already reports that Gruden has requested – or will ask – permission to speak to candidates, including former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and current Los Angeles Rams linebacker coach Joe Barry.

Bradley and Barry both worked on the Gruden staff in Tampa Bay. Another former Gruden staffer, Raheem Morris, is also expected to run if he does not get a head coach job.

So for now, it looks like Gruden is leaning towards a candidate he knows to replace Paul Guenther, who was fired three weeks ago. Gruden said defensive line coach and interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli should remain in the staff. Marinelli was also on the Tampa Bay staff.

Gruden said he plans to keep the Raiders in 4-3 defense. He explained what he was looking for in a new defensive coordinator.

“I think number 1, great communication,” Gruden said. “A guy who can develop players, a man who will use his assistant coaches and allow them to express themselves and get the most out of their units and a guy who has a history of success, a guy who has a great day-to-day job. work ethic and knowledge of the offenses he has arrested.

Someone who can really adapt to Lamar Jackson and the attacking style he’s playing next week where you have to get ready for Pat Mahomes and then it’s Phillip Rivers. There are a lot of different variables that you have to deal with and adapt to. A human person, great motivation and a real desire to be a Raider. I think there are a lot of criteria, but there is one for you.