There was a report making the rounds last night that Raiders coach Hue Jackson already has received an assurance from new G.M. Reggie McKenzie that Jackson will return in 2012. Though it’s possible that Jackson eventually will receive such a guarantee, a source with direct knowledge of the situation tells us that hasn’t happened, yet.
While tracking down the truth on this one, we’ve learned that McKenzie will indeed have full control over the football operations, notwithstanding any power or influence Jackson may have acquired and/or usurped following the passing of owner Al Davis. And we’ve confirmed that McKenzie will have the power to hire and fire the head coach of the team.
McKenzie, who’ll be officially introduced as the new G.M. on Tuesday, and Jackson soon will commence a series of meetings and communications, which may have already begun, regarding the future of the team. Agent Kennard McGuire, who represents both men, is believed to be working hard to ensure that the two men are on the same page. And despite speculation and/or rumors that Jackson could be on the way out, there’s no reason -- yet -- to believe that McKenzie will decide to move on from Jackson.
Still, it’s not impossible that a change will be made. And in large part the outcome will hinge on whether Jackson is willing to retreat from being an NFL head coach with considerable power over personnel to simply being an NFL head coach. When the alternative is being a former NFL head coach, it would be wise for Jackson to kiss McKenzie’s ring (or other regions) and comply with the wishes of the new boss.
