What was looking like an overhaul of the defensive staff by the Raiders is looking more like much more. For the defense, it was the firing of Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther that brought on an almost entirely new defensive staff, led by new DC Gus Bradley.
The offense is also going through some overhaul, but for the opposite reason — because of their success.
Two offensive coaches are reportedly leaving for promotions elsewhere — Running Backs coach Kirby Smith and Tight Ends coach Frank Smith.
Smith is taking the offensive coordinator job in Seattle, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Seahawks are expected to interview #Raiders RBs coach Kirby Wilson for their vacant OC job, source said. One of the most respected position coaches, Wilson last interviewed for an OC job in 2014. Now Seattle takes a look.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2021
Wilson joined the Raiders’ offensive staff in 2019 after a season in Arizona with the Cardinals. He has been a running backs coach in the NFL since 1997 and finally got the call to be a coordinator.
Frank Smith is headed to the Chargers as Run-Game Coordinator on the staff of new head coach Brandon Staley.
#Raiders tight end coach Frank Smith is leaving to join Brandon Staley’s #Chargers staff as run-game coordinator, as @PGutierrezESPN tweeted. Big loss.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) January 18, 2021
Smith was credited with the development of Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. Waller awarded Smith with the Coach Corps ‘Game Changer Award’ in January of 2020 for helping his career take off. The Chargers are getting a good one.
So, add running backs coach and tight ends coach to the list of staff the Raiders will have to hire this offseason.
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