As the Raiders plot their moves for next season, they face a series of critical decisions. What they decide will go a long way toward determining whether they will become legitimate playoff contenders.
In order of importance, here are the five most pressing issues.
1. Hiring a defensive coordinator
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The Raiders will look outside their building to find a new defensive leader, with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and linebackers coach Joe Barry and Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris among the most prominent candidates.
Wasting another playoff-caliber season from Derek Carr and the offense by picking the wrong coach would be a devastating setback.