The week leading up to the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest game in five years just got very interesting.
Not 72 hours after the biggest Raiders victory in recent memory, the looming offseason buzz began trickling in. Mark Davis has a tough decision to make about interim head coach Rich Bisaccia. That decision may get more complicated with the latest rumor.
Jim Harbaugh is considering a return to the NFL…
The former Raider’s quarterbacks coach might be seeking to replicate the success he had with the San Fransisco 49ers; Mark Davis is speculated to covet the Khaki-wearing coach. If this news has merit, the Raiders have a very sensible path forward.
It’s time to hire Jim Harbaugh.
Raider History
Harbaugh is something out of Mark Davis’ dreams.
A head coach with a prolific offensive record, deep ties to the Raiders, a close relationship with Davis, a Super Bowl appearance, and who is looking for a showstopping return to the NFL.
It should surprise nobody to see the Raiders make a serious push for Harbaugh.
Jon Gruden was the prodigal son returning to the Silver and Black destined to bring the Raiders back to greatness. That ended in a flurry of scandalous emails revealed during an investigation of misdeeds completely irrelevant to Las Vegas.
Davis is on a conquest for a Lombardi trophy, and he would love a former Raider to do it. The last Raiders Super Bowl berth came in 2002, led by NFL MVP Rich Gannon. The quarterback’s coach sitting alongside Gannon every single day? Jim Harbaugh.
Once a Raider, Always a Raider
We’ve been down this path before. Still trying to find footing as Raiders owner, Mark Davis was seeking a home-run hire before Jack Del Rio came to town. Harbaugh was “intrigued” with our situation (and rookie quarterback Derek Carr). No. 4 is still calling the shots on offense, this time a seasoned veteran.
On Jim Harbaugh and the #Raiders: There is mutual interest, as Oakland wants a rockstar coach and Harbaugh has intrigue in that situation
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2014
Is he still the prolific coach who can elevate a franchise from a mediocre quagmire to a title run? The results speak for themselves.
Jim Harbaugh Just Wins, Baby
Jim Harbaugh wins everywhere he goes. This has been proven at the collegiate and NFL ranks. Successful stints with the Stanford Cardinals, the 49ers, and the Michigan Wolverines make Harbaugh a justifiably hot commodity.
Stanford: 29-21
San Fransisco 49ers: 44-19-1
Michigan: 61-24
Overall: 134-64-1Â
His career win percentage is .673. Considering the recent history of Raiders football that would be a welcome sight. Most importantly, he’s done this at the NFL level. This isn’t a college superstar with question marks at the pro level.
He led playoff teams to victories against the Legion Of Boom, Drew Brees’ Saints, and Aaron Rodgers’ Packers.
He has a knack for coaching offense and getting quarterbacks to play at a high level. Sure, he’s been fortunate to coach Andrew Luck. He also spearheaded teams led by Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick all the way to the Super Bowl.
Coming to the Raiders affords him stability at quarterback with Derek Carr. Carr has more arm talent than Alex Smith, and Harbaugh might be able to launch him into the upper echelon of NFL passers. Mark Davis has to be more than curious about the combination. Coach and quarterback are the most important duo in sports.
Additionally, there are a few cornerstones on defense to work with. Maxx Crosby will be an All-Pro. Denzel Perryman, Trevon Moehrig, Trayvon Mullen, Yannick Ngakoue, and Casey Hayward add to a strong defensive core that can evolve with more young talent.
With Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert set to rule the division for the next 10 years, it might be time to level the playing field via a blockbuster coaching hire. Coach Bisaccia has performed admirably given the circumstances. However, this is about the next 10 years, not the next 10 months.
Bring Harbaugh home.
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*Top Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images