One decade ago, Tom Cable received a once in a million chance to be the head man of the Oakland Raiders. The well-traveled offensive line coach was called upon by the late Al Davis to represent a squad that faltered under the previous regime of Lane Kiffin.
Coaching Tenure
In the lasting stages of the 2008 campaign, the Cable led Raiders went 4 and 8, for a combined 5-11 record. Davis then made the move official to make Cable as the full time guy to run the Raiders in February of 2009. The Silver & Black then went on to another 5-11 year with the pressure mounting on Tom Cable.
That ensuing fall, Cable’s team secured their first non-losing tenure in many seasons after finishing with an 8-8 record. Things seemed to be on the upswing, but Davis didn’t renew Cable’s contract for beyond 2010.
For the last seven years, Cable has been the offensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Cable has helped pave the way for Thomas Rawls, Chris Carson, Marshawn Lynch and a multitude of good fortunes for Seattle. In Oakland, former Raiders running back Darren McFadden produced an illustrious 2010 season with over one-thousand yards, while fellow running back Michael Bush flourished with Cable which led to a wealthy contract signing with the Chicago Bears.
The Abuse
Unfortunately, Cable is also well known for his abusive nature. He’s been cited by the NFL for punching a fellow assistant, fighting and arguing with his significant others too. Just recently his current wife tried to erase allegations against him online. Cable’s been cleared of all charges, but you have to wonder with a reputation like this, when will something uncomfortable happen in the road ahead.
Back To The Future
Now Cable returns to the scene where he once roamed the sidelines. Jon Gruden has tapped him to be the new offensive line coach, taking the place of Mike Tice. A second chance in Oakland to restore the Raiders to greatness.
With all the hardships on and off the field, Cable can hopefully find some solace in the opportunity that the Raiders organization gave him again. All that being said, it will be noteworthy to catch how his unit with three Pro Bowlers does to protect Derek Carr and paving the road ahead for Beast Mode company in 2018.
From Oakland to Seattle and back to Oakland, Cable’s professional career has gone a complete 360 degrees. Now Cable will get the right to wear and be a part of the Raider mystique to continue his own redemption story even more. So as always, Ramble On Raider Nation!