Linebackers coach Don Martindale has accepted the same position with the Denver Broncos.
There were rumors Martindale was a candidate to be the Raiders' next head coach (which the Raiders denied) or possibly the next defensive coordinator.
Instead he'll be tutoring the likes of D.J. Williams under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.
This will be a big blow to the defense if the Raiders don't find a suitable replacement. Martindale was close with his players and rising starts Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard have credited Martindale with their growth.
And reports have the Raiders planning to interview Al Saunders about becoming the team's offensive coordinator.
The Raiders were interested in Saunders last year in the midst of the Lane Kiffin fiasco. Saunders is a veteran play-caller with stints in Kansas City (2001-05) and Washington (2006-07). Saunders spent last season with St. Louis as offensive coordinator.
Saunders has a lot of experience coaching wide receivers, too. He could fill the void left when James Lofton was fired from the position.
UPDATE: I have confirmed Saunders will meet with Davis in the next couple of days. Also, he was a candidate to be head coach back in 2006 when Art Shell was hired. Clearly, Davis is a fan of Saunders' work.
--Jason Jones








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