The Oakland Raiders are looking for a new general manager. Reggie McKenzie has gone from general manager to puppet. McKenzie has lost all of his power in the organization after ownership decided to hire Jon Gruden as the head coach. Instead of working for Gruden, he decided he would rather leave. McKenzie informed his scouting department today that he has been fired.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the news:
#Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie had a meeting with his scouts today where he informed them he was fired, per me and @TomPelissero. He was given the chance to stay the season, but is not expected to do so.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2018
“According to sources, Gruden essentially has his own staff that helps him judge talent and make decisions — most notably
confidant and Director of Football Research Dave Razzano — along with a slew of interns and assistants.”“Gruden had his own draft board and has his own pro board, separate from those used by others in the organization.”
No one knows for sure how much McKenzie contributed to the recent trades of Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. If it were up to McKenzie, maybe both of those guys never leave the organization. Someone had to go for the Raiders tear down and McKenzie was predictably that guy.
The good news is Oakland has a clean slate. They have 3 first round picks next year. They also have two in 2020. If they hit home runs and find a quarterback in 2020, the Raiders will be back. Trusting Jon Gruden to lead the charge doesn’t seem likely, however. Oakland is currently 3-10 on the season and is on pace to hold the 2nd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
