Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King continued the Lane Kiffin might not return banter in his column posted today on SI.com.
It started at the end of NBC’s playoff coverage on Saturday when he said Kiffin wasn't a lock to be back in 2008.
I didn’t hear the comment then as I’d turned off the game to commence playing Xbox with the games over.
Kiffin's frustrations are justified. He doesn’t want Rob Ryan running his defense so Al Davis should let him fire Ryan.
Do I think Kiffin would resign? It's possible. He wouldn't be out of work long.
King noted Davis could fire Kiffin. If he does that, good luck finding someone other than Ryan to take the job.
Davis’ hands-on approach is why the Raiders job is one of the least attractive in the NFL. Kiffin thought he had assurances things would be different. Perhaps he should have taken a cue when his good friend and former Raiders assistant coach Steve Sarkisian backed out of taking the job last year.
I’m still not convinced Ryan will be back, in spite of the Raiders request on Friday that media speculation stops in regards to Ryan.
The facts are the facts. Outside of 2006, the Raiders have not been a good defense under Ryan. The Raiders have consistently been one of the worst teams against the run under Ryan.
Kiffin has done a lot to fix the Raiders’ dysfunctional locker room. This situation will set it back.
And unless Davis wants to see the Raiders remain at the bottom of the AFC West and continue drafting in the top-5, he needs to let Kiffin do his job and fire Ryan.
--Jason Jones
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