It turns out it wasn’t that hard for the Raiders to find a
defensive coordinator after all. He’s been in the building for more
than a month. Chuck Bresnahan, hired on Feb. 1 as a
”
defensive coach,
”
was officially elevated to defensive coordinator Monday.
OAKLAND
It turns out it wasn’t that hard for the Raiders to find a defensive coordinator after all.
He’s been in the building for more than a month.
Chuck Bresnahan, hired on Feb. 1 as a “defensive coach,” was officially elevated to defensive coordinator Monday.
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The Raiders won three consecutive AFC West titles, including an AFC title, with Bresnahan as defensive coordinator from 2000 through 2002. He was fired along with much of Bill Callahan’s staff after a 4-12 season in 2003.
Bresnahan replaces John Marshall, whose contract was not renewed after the 2010 season.
Raiders coach Hue Jackson was coy about the defensive coordinator position at the NFL scouting combine, joking at one point that “I am the defensive coordinator,” and saying the Raiders were focused on other priorities.
Jackson also said the Raiders hadn’t ruled out any outside candidates.
In a release announcing Bresnahan’s ascension, Jackson indicated he’d seen what he needed to see over the past month.
“The fact that I’ve had the chance to be in defensive meetings with Chuck and watch him lead the defensive staff made it an easy decision to name him our defensive coordinator,” Jackson said in a statement. “I am impressed with his passion, attention to detail and energy. This staff gives us the opportunity to have one of the top defenses in the NFL.”
Bresnahan and Jackson worked together on the staff of the Cincinnati Bengals, where Jackson coached wide receivers and Bresnahan was on the defensive staff, the last three years (2005-07) as defensive coordinator.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to come back to the Raiders and work again where we had so many great years,” Bresnahan said. “It’s so exciting to be reunited with Hue Jackson because of the passion and energy he brings.”
Bresnahan spent the last two years with the Florida Tuskers of the UFL, coaching linebackers in 2009 and as defensive coordinator last season.
—Backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski said he has not been tendered a contract for the 2011 season after receiving a second-round tender a year ago. Center Samson Satele was tendered, although the level was not available. Tenders may or may not be applicable pending a new collective bargaining agreement.
— Story by Jerry McDonald, The Oakland Tribune
