[ad_1]
It took a little over a week for the Raiders to lock in a new defensive coordinator. He is former DC Chargers Gus Bradley. And whenever you have a new defensive coordinator, they will have the opportunity to build their own staff.
It doesn’t always mean a complete overhaul. For example, Rod Marinelli. He was recruited last offseason to coach the Raiders’ defensive line and took over as interim defensive coordinator for the final three games of the season following the sacking of Paul Guenther.
“I’m excited that Coach Rod Marinelli will be on this staff and he was another big reason why it was so important to take a look at this opportunity,” Bradley said on his introductory conference call. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Marinelli and he will be a great sounding board with guys like Travis Smith to understand some things about the staff.
Gruden gradually filled his team with former assistants. Marinelli was Gruden’s assistant head coach and DL coach for four seasons from 2002-2005. Bradley came on board the following season and took over as Bucs linebacker coach for two seasons in 2007-08. The two have since held head coach and defensive coordinator positions. Now they will train the Gruden staff in Las Vegas together.
“Rod Marinelli and I haven’t had the chance to work together in Tampa, but I’ve certainly heard a lot about him and there is so much respect for him and what he brings,” added Bradley. “Not just on the pitch, but just by developing the coaches and developing the players and their mindset. We are going to put together a very good staff and it will be a staff that we can really grow from each other.
As of now, it looks like Marinelli and Smith are the only staff who are sure to return. That leaves a lot of staff to fill. Bradley isn’t closing the door on more defensive staff from previous Raiders, but he’s understandably looking to bring in some of his old assistants with the Chargers.
“I felt like we had a great, great staff with the Chargers,” Bradley said. “In all positions, it really was. I really enjoyed it. And like a lot of these guys that we can bring in, if there are places that are open, it’s always something you watch.
Under Bradley over the past four seasons, the Chargers were in the top ten for the fewest points or yards allowed. In 2018-19, they were in the top ten for * the two * fewest points and yards allowed. So you can understand his urge to bring in as many of his staff as possible.
[ad_2]
Source link