Photo courtesy of the Dever Broncos Official website

Raidersideline.com- Candy Padilla

The Oakland Raiders held a press conference today introducing new head coach, Dennis Allen.  With his wife and children present, Coach Allen seemed relaxed and poised answering questions from season ticket holders and the media.  He stressed that he was aware of the rich tradition the Raiders valued and as a kid he watched the Raiders play and admired how they played with passion and respect for the game.  He went on to thank the fans for being passionate and loyal and stated he wanted his team to be passionate, and to play with emotion and respect for the game as well as have respect for those who played the game before them.

Coach Allen stated a few times that it was "A new day for the Oakland Raiders" and that the team had championship talent.  His vision of the future is to have a tough, smart, disciplined and committed team.  When asked what his ideas on offense were he replied that the offense will be up-tempo, fast and aggressive.    His vision is to run the ball "solidly" so that chains would be moved on 1st and 2nd downs.  When asked about the future of offensive coordinator, Al Saunders, Coach Allen stated that Saunders is still under contract, but he would be exploring all avenues.  

Being that Coach Allen is a defense guy his plan is simple and to the point, play solid, attacking, and aggressive.  Allen stated the word "aggressive" would be heard alot.  His vision is to stop the run and get to the quarterback.  He was asked if he would be heavily involved with all aspects of the game and stated that he didn't believe a head coach could do all the play calling.  His idea is to manage the game.  With that said, it seems obvious that the Raiders plan on searching for competent people to fill various staff positions who are capable of play calling without the head coach breathing down their throats.  Allen is happy that he spent a year with the Denver Broncos prior to becoming head coach.  He said, "It's an advantage.  We have to compete against the Broncos, the Chiefs.  This is a very competitive division.  I'm glad I've been in it for a year to know what I'm working with."  

General Manager Reggie McKenzie was asked if he would back up his statement from his introduction press conference regarding the new head coach being able to pick his own staff.  McKenzie replied, "This is a team effort.  We will work together, not I got this, you have that.  The right hand will let the left hand know what's going on."  McKenzie was also asked when he decided to approach Dennis Allen for the coaching job and he stated that he was on his "target tip" from the beginning after doing alot of research on Allen and his accomplishments in New Orleans and Denver.  McKenzie emphasized he had not heard one bad thing about Dennis Allen.  Coach Allen is confident with his decision on coming to Oakland because he knew he could believe and trust in McKenzie.  Allen has had only one other head coach position offer which was from the St. Louis Rams, nothing prior to that.  Allen, unlike previous coaches, is signed to a 4 year contract with the Oakland Raiders.  When general manager McKenzie was asked why he stated, "I won't discuss contracts.  I am committed to Coach Dennis Allen and what we are going to do the next few years."

When Coach Allen was asked about his strict, discipline actions regarding players and their actions as opposed to the late Al Davis' more "relaxed" style, he stated his belief is to coach firm and fair and to hold players accountable for their actions.  Allen was asked what his approach would be to get veteran players to "buy what he is selling", he stated, "First you have to believe in what you're selling. If you do, then you start preaching it and people will start believing.  The message is we want tough, smart, hard working, committed players who want to win."   He also stated that with him being new in the organization, he is not aware of how things were ran or taken care of before him, so he is not at liberty to speak on the past.  The main idea he stressed was, "This is a new day, a new Oakland Raiders."  Raider fans can only wait and hope that actions speak louder than words.