A partial listing of 2004 Raiders personnel developments:
Speaking to Bay Area media in a telephone conference call after the traded was announced, Raiders managing general partner Al Davis said: "It's a very emotional day when you say goodbye to a player who helped contribute to the greatness of the Raiders. It's not fun when the great ones leave you."
The Seahawks reportedly will pay Rice the remaining portion ($873,529) of his $1.35 million base salary this season. Rice is reunited with Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, who was the 49ers quarterbacks coach (1986-88) and offensive coordinator (1989-91) when Rice emerged as an NFL star with San Francisco.
Rice holds NFL records for career catches (1,524), receiving yards (22,533) and touchdowns receptions (194).
He had 63 receptions for 869 yards in 2003 after contributing 1,211 receiving yards on 92 catches in 2002 and 1,139 yards on 83 catches in 2001. Rice had only two TD catches last season after combining for 16 during his first two seasons with Oakland.
Running back Tyrone Wheatley (hamstring) and guard Ron Stone (knee) placed on injured reserve Dec. 24, 2004. Wheatley, who turns 33 on Jan. 19, 2005, rushed for 327 yards and four touchdowns in eight games this season. Stone, 33, played in only five games in 2004.
Safety Keyon Nash and quarterback David Rivers signed Dec. 24, 2004.
Defensive back Brock Williams re-signed Dec. 21, 2004. Williams, 25, was with the Raiders earlier this season before being released Oct. 26.
Kicker Sebastian Janikowski reportedly agrees to a five-year, $10.5 million contract extension with the Raiders on Dec. 15, 2004. The new deal makes Janikowski, 26, the highest paid kicker in the NFL. According to published reports, the Polish Cannon could have voided the final three years of his current eight-year contract he signed in 2000 and become a free agent after this season because he had reached all performance incentives. Oakland selected Janikowski with the 17th pick in the 2000 NFL draft.
Fullback Chris Hetherington, released by Oakland in training camp, re-signed Dec. 1, 2004. Hetherington, 32, played in 14 games with the Raiders in 2003. To make room for Hetherington on its 53-player roster, the team released linebacker Maugaula Tuitele.
Wide receiver John Stone signed Nov. 21, 2004. Stone, 25, went to training camp with the Raiders before being released Aug. 31. The former Wake Forest receiver was signed to Oakland's practice squad Sept. 7.
Former Carolina Panthers safety Jarrod Cooper claimed off waivers Oct. 29, 2004.
Linebacker Maugaula Tuitele signed Oct. 29, 2004.
Defensive back Brock Williams released Oct. 26, 2004.
Guard Frank Middleton and wide receiver/kick returner Carlos Francis placed on injured reserve Oct. 28, 2004. Middleton, 30, sustained a torn left quadriceps muscle and Francis, 23, tore the left anterior cruciate ligament during Oakland's 31-26 loss to New Orleans on Oct. 24, 2004.
Quarterback Rich Gannon placed on injured reserve Oct. 20, 2004. Gannon, 38, sustained a broken vertebra in his neck Sept. 26 against Tampa Bay.
Defensive back Brock Williams signed Oct. 20, 2004. Williams, 25, played in 10 games with the Chicago Bears in 2003.
Wide receiver Jerry Rice traded to the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 19, 2004 for a 2005 conditional seventh-round draft choice. Rice, 42, contributed only five catches for 67 yards and no touchdowns in six games this season. He led the Raiders in catches and receiving yards each of the past two seasons.
Unhappy about a reduced role, Rice (right) reportedly requested a trade the week of Oct. 10. The 20-year veteran hasn't made a catch in three of Oakland's past five games. His NFL record of at least one catch in 274 straight games ended in Week 2 against Buffalo. During the final minutes of Oakland's 13-10 victory over the Bills, Rice threw a tantrum on the Raiders sideline.
Defensive tackle Chris Cooper traded to the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11, 2004 for a reported conditional 2006 draft choice. Cooper, 26, contributed 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one interception in 41 games (11 starts) the past three seasons with Oakland. He became expendable after the 2004 offseason signings of defensive linemen Ted Washington, Warren Sapp and Bobby Hamilton. Copper was selected by the Raiders in the sixth round (184th overall) of the 2001 NFL draft.
Guard Mo Collins released Sept. 9, 2004 after reaching an injury settlement with the team. Collins, 27 was placed on injured reserve Aug. 31. The seven-year veteran reportedly has chronic swelling in his left knee.
Fullback J.R. Niklos and cornerback Art Smith signed to the team's practice squad Sept. 8, 2004.
Quarterback Bret Engemann, wide receiver John Stone, running back DeJuan Green, linebacker Donny Green, offensive lineman Brad Lekkerkerker and safety Keyon Nash signed to the team's practice squad Sept. 7, 2004.
Linebacker Dwayne Rudd, projected as a starter entering training camp, is among 14 players released Sept. 5, 2004. Also released: quarterback Bret Engemann; fullback Chris Hetherington; offensive linemen Todd Wike, Blaine Saipaia, Corey Hulsey and Robert Hicks; defensive end Shawn Johnson; defensive lineman David Nugent; linebackers Bobby Brooks, Cody Spencer and Maugaula Tuitele; defensive back Ike Charlton; and safety Keyon Nash.
Safety Derrick Gibson (dislocated shoulder) and cornerback Clarence Love (heel) placed on injured reserve Sept. 5, 2004. By going on the injured list, both players are ineligible to play for the Raiders in 2004.
Safety Marques Anderson acquired from the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 3, 2004 in exchange for 2005 fifth- and sixth-round draft choices.
Anderson, 25, started 18 games at strong safety for the Packers the past two seasons, but he was beaten out by free-agent acquisition Mark Roman during Green Bay’s 2004 training camp. Anderson contributed 139 tackles (96 solo), five interceptions and four fumble recoveries in 30 games with the Packers.
Cornerback James Bethea released Sept. 3, 2004.
Cornerback Charles Woodson ended his 33-day holdout and reported to the Raiders on Aug. 31, 2004. The four-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year tender for a reported $8.782 million as the team's exclusive franchise player.
Guard Mo Collins, a starter in Super Bowl XXXVII, placed on injured reserve Aug. 31, 2004. Collins, 27, started 64 of 71 games in six seasons with the Raiders. By going on the injured list, the former University of Florida lineman is ineligible to play for the Raiders this season. Collins, selected by Oakland in the first round (23rd overall) of the 1998 draft, reportedly has chronic swelling in his left knee. He started 10 games in 2003 before finishing the season on the injured list.
Running back Troy Hambrick and defensive end Peppi Zellner traded to the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 31, 2004 for an undisclosed draft choice.
The Raiders announced the release of quarterback Tee Martin and eight other players Aug. 31, 2004. Also waived: wide receivers James Adkisson, John Stone and Chris Cole; punter-kicker Steve Baker; running back DeJuan Green; linebackers Donny Green and Andre Sommersell; tight end David Newman and defensive back Art Smith.
Linebacker Shurron Pierson traded to the Chicago Bears on Aug. 30, 2004 for an undisclosed draft choice. The Raiders also announced the release of defensive back Carey Scott, defensive end Bobby Setzer and kicker Mark Jensen.
Wide receiver Quentin McCord placed on injured reserve Aug. 20, 2004. McCord, 26, was released Aug. 19 after being signed Aug. 5.
Former Cowboys and Redskins defensive end Peppi Zellner signed Aug. 18, 2004. Zellner, 29, has seven career sacks in four seasons with Dallas and one with Washington.
Former Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 10, 2004. The 17-year veteran was released by Oakland on Aug. 5. Brown, 38, ranks second in NFL career receiving yards (14,734) and third in receptions (1,070). The 1987 Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame told Buccaneers.com: "I'm not coming here just to be a guy. I'm coming here to be the Tim Brown I used to be. I have a lot left in the proverbial tank." The final member of the Los Angeles Raiders reportedly received a one-year deal from Tampa Bay for the NFL veteran mininum of $760,000 with no signing bonus. Brown is reunited with former Oakland coach Jon Gruden and ex-Raiders teammates Charlie Garner, Matt Stinchchomb and Rickey Dudley.
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Quentin McCord re-signed Aug. 5, 2004. The four-year veteran was released July 30 after signing with Oakland May 21. McCord, 26, had nine receptions for 121 yards with the Falcons in 2003.
Former Raiders defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield signed with the New
England Patriots on Aug. 5, 2004. Stubblefield, 33, contributed 18
tackles (with no sacks) in eight games with Oakland in 2003. He missed
half the season because of an ankle injury. The former 49er and Redskin
reportedly signed for the veteran mininum of $776,000.
Wide receiver Tim Brown, who played 16 seasons for the L.A./Oakland Raiders, released Aug. 5, 2004. Brown, 38,
ranks second in NFL career receiving yards (14,734) and third in catches (1,070). His 99 receiving touchdowns are tied for fourth with Don Huston. Brown holds Raiders franchise records for most receptions in a season (104 in 1997), career receptions (1,070), touchdowns (104), receiving touchdowns (99),
games played (240) and all-purpose yards (19,434).
Offensive tackle Joe Wong placed on the Physically Unable To Perform List on Aug. 3, 2004.
Offensive tackle Robert Gallery, the second overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, signed a seven-year contract July 29, 2004. Gallery, 24, reportedly received $18.5 in guaranteed salary in the deal that could reach $60 million, if incentives are reached. The Raiders also announced the signing of seventh other 2004 draft choices. Wide receivers Carlos Francis (fourth round) and Johnnie Morant (fifth round) signed on July 29, while center Jake Grove (second round), safety Stuart Schweigert (third round), linebacker Cody Spencer (sixth round), defensive end Shawn Johnson (sixth round) and linebacker Andre Sommersell (seventh round) signed July 30, 2004.
Free safety Rod Woodson, chosen for the Pro Bowl 11 times, released after he failed his physical, the Raiders announced July 27, 2004. Woodson, 39, reportedly had a chronic left knee injury in 2003 and underwent surgery last December.
The former Purdue star 
(below) is the first player in league history to make the Pro Bowl as a cornerback, kick returner and safety during his 17 NFL seasons with Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Baltimore and Oakland. Said Raiders coach Norv Turner in a news release: "Rod Woodson is one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game." During the 2002 season, his first with Oakland, Woodson tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions (with Tampa Bay's Brian Kelly) and helped the Raiders advance to their first Super Bowl since 1984.
Former Pro Bowl center Barret Robbins released after failing a physical, the Raiders announced July 23, 2004. Robbins, 30, has been the team's starting center since 1996. He was scheduled to earn $1.2 million in 2004.
Robbins’ fine amounts to $234,375, and Cooper must pay $187,500. The
fines are based on their salaries for the 2004 season. The amount for
Stubblefield, a free-agent defensive tackle, won’t be determined until
when or if he signs with a team.
A fourth player, linebacker Bill Romanowski, also tested positive, although the league didn't identify him by name, according to published reports. Romanowski, whose case is still pending, announced his retirement after the 2003 season with the Raiders.
The NFL said the four Raiders were the only positive samples in 1,700 retests of every sample taken before Oct. 6, 2003. The league also said there were no positive samples in more than 4,000 tests since that dates.
Chris Cooper and Barret Robbins of the Raiders and former Oakland player
Dana Stubblefield fined three game checks for testing positive
for the steroid THG, the NFL announced July 14, 2004. They also were
placed on “reasonable-cause testing” for the remainder of their careers,
and will be suspended for eight games if they test positive for any
steroid again, the league said in a statement. Cooper and Stubblefield
are defensive linemen, and Robbins is a center.
Tight end Courtney Johnson, a seventh-round draft choice from San Jose State, signed July 9, 2004. He reportedly received a five-year, $1.97 million deal that included a $4.5 million signing bonus. Johnson, 23, caught 23 passes for 322 yards in 2003 for the Spartans.
Former New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins signed May 24, 2004. Collins, 31, was cut by the Giants on April 28 - four days after the NFC East team selected quarterback Eli Manning in the 2004 NFL draft. Collins, who led the Giants to the 2000 NFC title, reportedly signed a four-year, $16 million deal with Oakland. He threw for 3,110 yards and 13 touchdowns with 16 interceptions in 13 games in 2003.
Former New England Patriots defensive end Bobby Hamilton signed May
19, 2004. Hamilton, 32, started 16 regular-season games for the
Patriots in 2003 and contriuted 46 tackles. The nine-year veteran helped New England win Super
Bowl titles last season and in the 2001 season. Hamilton has started 74
of 118 regular-season games he played with the Patriots, New York Jets
and Seattle Seahawks.
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Troy Hambrick signed May 17, 2004. He reportedly received a one-year, $535,000 deal that included a $50,000 signing bonus. Hambrick, 27, ranked eighth in 2003 NFC rushing with 972 yards and five touchdowns. He has 1,892 rushing yards and 42 receptions for 260 yards in four NFL seasons, all with Dallas. The Cowboys released Hambrick on May 13, less than a month after they selected Notre Dame running back Julius Jones in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2004 NFL draft.
Former Washington Redskins safety David Terrell signed May 17, 2004. Terrell, 28, started 32 straight games for the Redskins in 2001-2002. Last season, he played in 13 games and contributed 24 total tackles and two interceptions. The four-year veteran became an unrestricted free agent March 3.
Former Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North team announced May 9, 2004.
Bresnahan, 43, was Oakland's defensive coordinator the past four seasons before being demoted after the 2003 season. The Naval Academy graduate reportedly will assist Bengals defensive coaches and help the team's offensive staff break down opposing defenses. The Bengals and Raiders each will pay a portion of Bresnahan's salary, who had one year remaining on his contract with the Raiders.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Amos Zereoue signed April 29, 2004.
Zereoue, 27, rushed for 433 yards and caught 38 passes for 291 yards last season with the Steelers. In 2002, he had a team-high 762 rushing yards and 42 receptions for 341 yards. The former West Virginia back contributed 1,697 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in five seasons with Pittsburgh. The Steelers released Zereoue on March 12 after signing free-agent running back Duce Staley.
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Denard Walker signed April 15, 2004. Walker, 30, who received a one-year deal, reportedly was released by the Vikings on March 30 because he wouldn't accept a salary cut. He started 31 games for the Denver Broncos in 2002 and 2001. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Walker spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
Williams contributed 60 catches for 511 yards and three touchdowns in his previous two seasons with Oakland, including a career-high 33 receptions in 2001. The former Syracuse player spent time with Tampa Bay during the second half of the 2003 season.
Tight end Roland Williams, released by Oakland during its 2003 training camp, re-signed with the Raiders on April 10, 2004. He reportedly received a three-year, $2.85 million deal, which included a $200,000 signing bonus. Williams, who turns 29 on April 27, started 12 of 16 regular-season games in 2002 when the Raiders advanced to Super Bowl XXXVII. He didn't play in the 2002 postseason because of knee and toe injuries.
Wide receiver Chris Cole signed April 8, 2004. Cole, 26, played in 35 games the past three seasons with the Denver Broncos. Last season, he had three catches for 26 yards and returned 30 kickoffs for 714 yards.
Buchanan is expected to be used as a nickel back with Oakland, which ranked 30th in total defense last season.
Known as "Big Play Ray," Buchanan had a career-high seven interceptions in 1998 when he helped the Falcons advance to Super Bowl XXXIII. He was suspended for four games in 2002 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
Former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan signed April 5, 2004. Buchanan, 32, started six plus seasons with the Falcons before being benched midway through the 2003 season. He reportedly received a five-year, $12 million deal from Oakland. The 11-year veteran contributed one interception and 39 solo tackles in 15 games last season.
He was released by Atlanta on March 2 reportedly in a salary-cap move.
Former Raiders quarterback Rick Mirer signed with the Detroit Lions on April 5, 2004. Mirer, 34, became an unrestricted free agent after the 2003 season, his second season with Oakland.
After injuries to Rich Gannon and Marquess Tuiasosopo, Mirer had a 2-6 record as a Raiders starter last season, completing 116 of 221 pasing attempts for 1,257 yards and three touchdowns. The former Notre Dame star also has played for the Seahawks, Jets, Packers and 49ers during his 11 NFL seasons.
"The big bad silver and black and Warren Sapp coming together - that's got to be a match made in heaven," Sapp said at a news conference announcing his signing with Oakland.
The ex-University of Miami star is coming off a five-sack performance last season, his fewest since he had three as a Bucs rookie in 1995. He had 18.5 sacks the past three seasons after recording 29 sacks in 1999-2000.
Sapp contributed a sack, a forced fumble, two tackles and two passes defensed during Tampa Bay's 48-21 dismantling of Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego on Jan. 26, 2003. Sapp had a career-high 16.5 sacks in 2000 and 77 in nine seasons with the Bucs - 1.5 sacks shy of Lee Roy Selmon's club record.
Former Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp signed a seven-year, $36.6 million deal March 21, 2004. Sapp, voted to the Pro Bowl the past seven seasons (1997-2003),
reportedly received a $4.5 million signing bonus from Oakland. He reportedly earned $6.6 million last season, the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract he signed with the Bucs in 1998.
Linebacker Dwayne Rudd, who has played with Minnesota, Cleveland and Tampa Bay in seven NFL seasons, signed March 13, 2004. Rudd, 28, was a backup with the Buccaneers in 2003 after starting 31 games the previous two seasons with the Browns. The former Alabama star equalled an NFL single-season record by returning two opponents fumbles for touchdowns in 1998. Rudd has started 79 out of 109 regular-season games he has played in. He was named to the 1998 Associated Press All-Pro team after helping the Vikings advance to that season's NFC title game.
Linebacker Danny Clark signed March 12, 2004. Clark, 26, started nine
games last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The four-year veteran
also is considered a standout special teams performer.
Cornerback Ike Charlton signed March 10, 2004. Charlton, 26, played in
seven games with the New York Giants last season. He appeared in 53
regular-season games during his four-year career with the Seattle
Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Giants. Oakland also
announced the signing of running back J.R. Niklos. Niklos, 24, went to
training camp with the St. Louis Rams in 2003.
Former Raiders running back Charlie Garner signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 9, 2004. He reportedly received a $24 million (including a $4 million signing bonus), four-year deal from the Bucs. Garner, 32, paid the Raiders $400,000 to buy out the remaining year of his contract, according to published reports March 2.
Former Raiders linebacker Eric Johnson signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 9, 2004. Johnson, 27, was considered among Oakland's top special teams performers the past four seasons. He has 46 total tackles
and one interception in 55 career games.
Reserve quarterback Tee Martin re-signed March 9, 2004. Martin, 25, appeared in two games last season for Oakland.
Three-time Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone signed March 8, 2004. He reportedly received an $8.35 million (including a $2 million signing bonus), three-year deal from Oakland.
Stone, 32, has started 121 of 152 games with the Cowboys (1994-95), Giants (1996-2001) and 49ers (2002-03). The former Boston College lineman was named to the Pro Bowl from 2000-2002.
Former Raiders outside linebacker Eric Barton signed a $9.8 million (including a $4 million signing bonus), three-year contract with the New York Jets on March 6, 2004. Barton, Oakland's leading tackler the past two seasons as the starter at the weakside linebacker position, reportedly earned $875,000 in 2003.
Former Raiders defensive tackle Rod Coleman signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 5, 2004. He reportedly received a $28 million (including a $10 million signing bonus), six-year deal. Coleman, 27, led all NFL interior linemen with 11 sacks in 2002. The five-year veteran had a team-high 5.5 sacks last season.
Former Raiders offensive lineman Matt Stinchcomb signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 5, 2004. He reportedly received a $5 million, two-year deal. Stinchcomb, who can play all three offensive line positions, started the first three games of the 2003 season at center for Oakland before being replaced by Barret Robbins. The former Georgia All-America was taken by the Raiders with the 18th overall pick in the 1999 draft.
Guard Frank Middleton signed March 4, 2004. Middleton, a two-year starter for Oakland, was released two days earlier for salary-cap purposes.
Fullback Chris Hetherington, wide receiver Alvis Whitted and safety Keyon Coleman signed March 4, 2004.
The 6-foot-5, 375-pound Washington, who turns 36 April 13, should bolster Oakland's woebegone defense. In 2003, the Raiders ranked 32nd (last) in the league against the run and 30th in total defense. Raiders coach Norv Turner said in a statement: "Ted is widely recognized as one of the premier run-stoppers in the National Football League and we're very pleased to have him join the Raiders. We are excited to add him to what we feel will be a dynamic defensive unit."
Washington, a 13-year NFL veteran who has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, contributed 45 tackles and two sacks during the Patriots' 2003 regular season. The former Louisville lineman also has played with the 49ers (1991-93), Broncos (1994), Bills (1995-2000) and the Bears (2001-02).
Former Patriots defensive tackle Ted Washington signed a four-year, $14 millon contract March 3, 2004. He reportedly received a $4 million signing bonus after rejecting a three-year, $8 million offer to remain with New England, which has won two of the past three Super Bowls.
Running back Charlie Garner paid the Raiders $400,000 to buy out the
final year of his contract, according to published reports March 2,
2004. The move saved the Raiders $4.227 million against their 2004
salary cap. Garner, 32, who spent three seasons in Oakland, rushed for 553 yards and had 48 receptions in an injury-plagued 2003 season. The 10-year veteran had 962 rushing yards and 91 catches in 2002.
Guard Frank Middleton, linebacker Bill Romanowski and
defensive end Trace Armstrong released March 2, 2004. Romanowski, 37,
and Armstrong, 38, reportedly were released after they failed physicals.
Both are expected to retire. Middleton, 29, was scheduled to earn $2
million in salary in 2004.
Offensive lineman Brad Badger re-signed March 2, 2004. He reportedly
received a five-year, $11.5 million deal. He made only $530,000 last
season. Badger, 29, started 11 games last season as an injury
replacement for guards Mo Collins and Frank Middleton.
Center Barret Robbins restructured his contract, according to published
reports March 1, 2004. Robbins, 30, is now scheduled to earn $1.2
million, but he could earn an additional $3 million in incentives. The
move saved Raiders $3 million against their 2004 salary cap.
Former USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian named quarterbacks coach Feb. 28, 2004. He replaces Jim Harbaugh, who was appointed University of San Diego head coach on Dec. 19, 2003. Sarkisian, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Trojans. He tutored 2002 Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, who helped lead the Trojans to the national championship last season.
Martin Bayless named special teams assistant Feb. 28, 2004. Bayless, 41, was a defensive assistant with the Carolina Panthers in 2003. He played 13 seasons (1984-1996) in the NFL as a defensive back with the St. Louis Cardinals, Bills, Chargers, Chiefs and Redskins.
Jeff Fish named strength and conditioning coach Feb. 28, 2004. He replaces Tim Adams, who was not retained after last season. Fish, 37, was the strength and conditioning coach at the University of Missouri the past three seasons.
John Morton named tight ends coach. Morton, 33, was the team's senior offensive assistant in 2003, his fourth year with the Raiders.
Clayton Lopez named defensive backs coach Feb. 24, 2004. Lopez, who
turns 33 on May 26, spent the past two seasons as a defensive
assistant/secondary with the Seattle Seahawks. He replaces Ron Lynn, who
signed with the 49ers on Feb. 10.
Former Oklahoma State head coach Pat Jones named outside linebackers coach Feb. 18, 2004. Jones, 56, was tight ends coach for the Miami Dolphins the past eight seasons. He had a 62-60-3 record as Oklahoma State coach from 1984-94, and led the Cowboys to four bowl appearances.
Former NFL defensive lineman Sam Clancy named defensive line coach Feb. 18, 2004. Clancy, 46, held a similar position with the New Orleans Saints the past four seasons. He played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks (1982-83), Cleveland Browns (1985-88) and Indianapolis Colts (1989-93).
Don Martindale named linebackers coach Feb. 16, 2004. He was the
defensive coordinator at Western Kentucky in 2003, his third season at
the NCAA Division I-AA school. Martindale, 40, replaces Fred Pagac, who
worked for the Raiders the past two seasons.
Former Raiders tight ends coach Jay Norvell named Nebraska offensive coordinator Feb. 13, 2004. Norvell, 40, was an assistant with the Raiders the past two seasons.
Rob Ryan named defensive coordinator Feb. 10, 2004. Ryan, 41, spent the past
four seasons as New England Patriots linebackers coach. He replaces
Chuck Bresnahan, Oakland's defensive coordinator the past four seasons. Ryan takes over a Raiders defense that ranked 30th in total yards (369.0 per
game) allowed and 32nd in rushing yards (156.9 per game) allowed last
season. Ryan is the son of Buddy Ryan, regarded among the top defensive
coaches in NFL history. He developed the Chicago Bears’ famed “46
defense” and later was the head coach with the Eagles and Arizona
Cardinals
Former Raiders defensive backs coach Ron Lynn named secondary coach of the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 10, 2004. Lynn, 59, worked for the Raiders the past four
seasons.
Avezzano replaces Bob Casullo, who joined the Raiders in 2000. The Raiders have been among the league's worst kick/punt units in recent seasons. In 2003, Oakland ranked 32nd (last) in kick coverage, 30th in punt coverage and 24th in kick returns. As an assistant with the Cowboys, Avezzano was named NFL special teams coach of the year (which is voted on by his peers).
Joe Avezzano named Raiders special teams coach Feb. 5, 2004. Avezzano, 60, held the same job with the Dallas Cowboys from 1990-2002. He spent the past two seasons as the head coach of the Arena Football League's Dallas Desperados.
Strength and conditioning coach Tim Adams is no longer with the team,
according to published reports Feb. 6, 2004. Adams, 35, replaced Garrett
Giemont following the 2002 season.
Jimmy Raye named Raiders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Jan. 28, 2004. He spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets, working as assistant head coach last season and senior offensive coordinator in 2002. Raye, who will turn 58 on March 26, has been an offensive coordinator for five previous teams - Rams, Buccaneers, Patriots, Chiefs and Redskins - during his 27 years as an NFL coach.
Norv Turner named Raiders head coach Jan. 26, 2004. Turner, 51, replaces Bill Callahan, who was fired two days after Oakland completed a 4-12 season. Turner had a 50-60-1 record (including 1-1 postseason) in seven seasons as coach of the Washington Redskins. He was the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins the past two seasons.
Former Raiders assistant coach Marc Trestman named Miami Dolphins assistant head coach/quarterbacks
Jan. 26, 2004. Trestman, 48, spent the last three seasons with the Raiders, the
final two as offensive coordinator.
Former Raiders assistant coach Mike Waufle named New York Giants defensive line coach Jan. 20, 2004. Waufle, 49, spent the last six seasons as Raiders defensive line
coach.
Former Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen named general manager of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2004. Allen, 46, reportedly received a
five-year contract after working the previous nine years with the
Raiders.
Former Raiders coach Bill Callahan named Nebraska coach Jan. 9, 2004.
Callahan, 47, reportedly received a six-year deal, with an annual salary
of $1.5 million.
Senior assistant Bruce Allen is leaving the team, Raiders spokesperson Artie Gigantino announced Jan. 6, 2004. Allen, 46,
negotiated player contracts and managed the salary cap during his nine
years with the Raiders.
