Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said the process of hiring a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately and will be quick.
There are already reports that Gruden has asked – or will ask – for permission to speak with candidates, including former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and current Los Angeles Rams linebacker coach Joe Barry.
O #Raiders have now officially requested permission to interview #Chargers DC Gus Bradley for his vacant job in DC, said the source. A lead candidate, along with #Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris (if he doesn’t get a head coach job) and #Rams assistant Joe Barry.
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2021
O @Raiders should ask permission to speak to @Rams LB assistant coach / coach Joe Barry on his defensive coordinator job. Barry played a big role in Cory Littleton’s development from UDFA to Pro Bowl LB 2017-2019.
– Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 4, 2021
Bradley and Barry worked on Gruden’s team in Tampa Bay. Another former Gruden employee, Raheem Morris, should also be a candidate if he doesn’t get a position as a head coach.
For now, it looks like Gruden is leaning towards a candidate he knows to replace Paul Guenther, who was fired three weeks ago. Gruden said defensive line coach and interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli should remain on the team. Marinelli was also part of the Tampa Bay team.
Gruden said he plans to keep the Raiders in a 4-3 defense. He explained what he is looking for in a new defensive coordinator.
“I think No. 1, great communication,” said Gruden. “A guy who can develop players, a guy who will use his technical assistants and allow them to express themselves and get more out of their units and a guy who has a success story, a guy who has a great day-to-day work ethic and knowledge of the offenses he has to stop.
Someone who can really adapt to Lamar Jackson and the style of attack they play for next week, where you have to prepare for Pat Mahomes and then Phillip Rivers. There are many different variables that you need to deal with and adapt to. A people person, great motivation and a real desire to be a Raider. I think there are many criteria, but there are some for you. “