End of an Era or New Beginning?
Call it an end of an era or a new beginning in Alameda. Former Raider great Fred Biletnikoff called it a career on Wednesday, retiring from his duties as receiver coach after 18 seasons as an assistant for the silver & black. His tenure as a coach followed an illustrious 14 year career as a wide out for Oakland from 1965-78, which included a Super Bowl Championship and MVP honors in the title game.
He as inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His 589 career receptions ranks 2nd in Raiders team history.
Biletnikoff’s retirement comes on the heels of newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin’s appointment, which will bring speculation that his departure was part of a greater house cleaning. The outcome of several coaches from the 2006 staff is unclear, including line coach Jackie Slater.
The receiving corps’ production, along with the rest of the offense, was abysmal last season, which may have expedited Biletnikoff’s exit. The Raiders ranked 28th in receptions in the league last season and 30th in receiving yards. Oakland’s 7 receiving touchdowns trailed the next lowest team total by 6 TDs. By comparison, the Indianapolis Colts had 7 touchdowns of 40 yards or more in 2006 (31 total).
Raiders owner Al Davis has always been ultra-loyal to a select group of former players who best exemplified the spirit of the Oakland franchise, but Biletnikoff’s tenure may have run its course. Former cornerback Willie Brown still serves as a secondary coach, but the defense wasn’t as problematic for the Raiders last season, so Brown’s job would appear to be safe for now.
He as inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His 589 career receptions ranks 2nd in Raiders team history.
"I truly valued my time as a player and coach for the Raiders - it has been an honor to wear the Silver and Black," said Biletnikoff. "I am now embarking on another chapter and hope that these coming years bring as much joy and accomplishment as the previous years. I'm excited about this new direction in my life and continuing to being a part of the Raider Family. I'm also excited about the new direction that the Raiders have taken with Lane Kiffin and wish the organization much success."
Biletnikoff’s retirement comes on the heels of newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin’s appointment, which will bring speculation that his departure was part of a greater house cleaning. The outcome of several coaches from the 2006 staff is unclear, including line coach Jackie Slater.
The receiving corps’ production, along with the rest of the offense, was abysmal last season, which may have expedited Biletnikoff’s exit. The Raiders ranked 28th in receptions in the league last season and 30th in receiving yards. Oakland’s 7 receiving touchdowns trailed the next lowest team total by 6 TDs. By comparison, the Indianapolis Colts had 7 touchdowns of 40 yards or more in 2006 (31 total).
Raiders owner Al Davis has always been ultra-loyal to a select group of former players who best exemplified the spirit of the Oakland franchise, but Biletnikoff’s tenure may have run its course. Former cornerback Willie Brown still serves as a secondary coach, but the defense wasn’t as problematic for the Raiders last season, so Brown’s job would appear to be safe for now.
Labels: Fred Biletnikoff, Willie Brown
posted by Mike at
12:21 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home