It took the Raiders just over a week to find a new defensive coordinator. He is former DC Chargers Gus Bradley. And whenever you have a new Defense Coordinator, he will have the ability to form his own team.
This does not always mean a complete overhaul. For example, Rod Marinelli. He was hired last season to coach the Raiders’ defensive line and took over as interim defensive coordinator for the last three games of the season following Paul Guenther’s resignation.
“I am excited about coach Rod Marinelli, who will be part of this team and he was another big reason why it was so important to take a look at this opportunity,” said Bradley in his introductory conference call. “I have a lot of respect for coach Marinelli and he will be a big sounding board along with guys like Travis Smith to understand some of the personal things.”
Gruden was gradually filling his team with ex-assistants. Marinelli was assistant chief coach of Gruden and coach of DL for four seasons from 2002-05. Bradley entered the following season and took over as coach of the Bucs linebackers for two seasons in 2007-08. Since then, both have worked as head coach and defensive coordinator. Now they will train together on Gruden’s team in Las Vegas.
“Rod Marinelli and I didn’t get a chance to work together in Tampa, but I certainly heard a lot about him and there’s a lot of respect for him and what he brings,” added Bradley. “Not only on the field, just developing coaches and players and their mentality. We are going to put together a really good team and it will be a team that really each of us can grow from each other. “
As of now, it seems that Marinelli and Smith are the only members of the team that are sure to be returning. This leaves a lot of staff to be filled out. Bradley is not closing the door on the return of the Raiders’ previous defensive team, but naturally he is looking to bring some of his former assistants with the Chargers with him.
“I felt like we had a tremendous team, tremendous with the Chargers,” said Bradley. “In all positions, it really was. I really liked that. And like many of these guys that we can bring, if there are vacancies open, it’s always something you look at. “
Under Bradley for the past four seasons, the Chargers were among the top ten in the fewest points or yards allowed. In 2018-19, they were in the top ten in * both * the fewest points and yards allowed. Therefore, you can understand your desire to bring as much of your team as possible.