Reports: Hoffman hired, Saunders to KC? Wiz retained

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A trio of reports regarding new Raiders coach Dennis Allen's coaching staff that floated in cyberspace on Wednesday night, thus far unconfirmed by the Raiders themselvesAccording to FoxSports.com, the Raiders have hired former Kansas City special teams coach Steve Hoffman to replace the departed John Fassel, who take the same job with the St. Louis Rams.
Raiders fans might have an issue with this in that Hoffman's field-goal team had two kicks blocked by the Raiders' Richard Seymour at Arrowhead Stadium in the penultimate game of the season. Sure, the Raiders benefited from the blocks, winning the game in overtime. But if the Chiefs make either of those kicks and win the game, Kansas City wins the AFC West. Hoffman, who coached alongside Allen in Atlanta, was fired by Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel on Monday.Also, in what might play out as a kick in the teeth to Raiders fans who wanted Al Saunders to stay on as offensive coordinator rather than Allen hiring Greg Knapp, Saunders reportedly interviewed with those same Chiefs on Wednesday. Saunders has had two previous tours of duty with the Chiefs, serving as their O.C. for the high-powered offenses of 2001 through 2005. Raiders fans will not be happy if Oakland struggles offensively under Knapp and the Chiefs excel under Saunders.And lastly, as suggested here earlier in the day when word broke that Frank Pollack was leaving his post as Houston's assistant offensive line coach to become the Raiders offensive line coach, there is room for Steve Wisniewski to remain on staff as an O-line assistant. Pollack, a zone-blocking disciple, coached the tackles in Houston while Wisniewski was an eight-time Pro Bowler at guard. Several reports have Wisniewski indeed staying on, which no doubt should make his nephew, left guard Stefen Wisniewski, smile.

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