Raiders begin search for new coach

Dec 30, 2008 - 4:30 PM SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis will begin interviewing candidates for the team's vacant coaching position this week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Citing team sources, the newspaper reported on its web site Tuesday that Davis' short list includes New York Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, Raiders advance scout Paul Hackett and Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Former Giants head coach Jim Fassel has also made it known he is interested in the opening, though it is unclear if the feeling is mutual.

Interim coach Tom Cable, who took the reins when Lane Kiffin was fired "for cause" after a 1-3 start, also is believed to be in the mix.

The Raiders went 4-8 under Cable and finished the season with two straight victories, including a surprising win at Tampa Bay which eliminated the Buccaneers - and former Raider coach Jon Gruden - from playoff contention.

Davis wants to make a hire "quickly," according to a team spokesman.

While Oakland can interview Gilbride at any time, the team would not be able hire him until the Giants' season ends.

Hackett, who joined the Raiders earlier this year, was the New York Jets' offensive coordinator from 2001-04. Additionally, he was head coach at Southern California from 1998-2000.

Harbaugh, a Raiders assistant from 2003-04, was recently offered a contract extension from Stanford, but is weighing his options.

The Raiders also must interview at least one minority candidate to comply with the NFL's Rooney Rule.

Oakland wide receivers coach James Lofton has interviewed for the position previously and will likely get another look from the team.

The Raiders are 24-72 since their Super Bowl season of 2002 and had five different coaches over that span.