NFL Notes: Reggie McKenzie, Jon Gruden, Raiders

Reggie McKenzie

• Following the news that the Raiders have fired GM Reggie McKenzie, Jim Trotter reports that McKenzie felt something was coming and didn’t want to wait to get the news at the end of the year, even though the team offered to keep him until the end of the season.
• According to Trotter, McKenzie wants to take some time and see what’s out there for next season.
• Trotter says that McKenzie definitely wants another shot, but it has to be the “right fit” for him.

Jon Gruden

Raiders HC Jon Gruden said he went home after Sunday’s win and was not a part of the meeting in which owner Mark Davis informed GM Reggie McKenzie that he was being fired.

“Obviously, there was a meeting last night and changes had been made,” Gruden said, via Paul Guiterrez. “I respect everything that this organization is about. I can’t exactly answer why the change was made last night but changes were made and we’ve got to continue to fight and continue to build this team back and that’s what we’re going to do.” Asked if firing McKenzie was solely a Mark Davis decision, Gruden said, “We all work for the same man.”

• Gruden was asked if he was surprised by the firing of McKenzie: “When you’re 3-10, I’m not surprised with anything that happens in this league. I’ve been fired, I’ve been traded. It’s a horrible part of this business and I’m very sensitive to it.” (Paul Guiterrez)
• Gruden also said of McKenzie: “He left some big shoes to fill…we were very good friends and we were connected. We were very connected…there was a meeting last night and changes were made. I can’t exactly say why changes were made…we all work for the same man (in Mark Davis).”

Raiders

• Gruden said he isn’t sure if he’ll be involved in any interviews for McKenzie’s replacement: “I know Mark (Davis) is going to accumulate a list of names and candidates and I’m sure we’ll discuss those people later this week. Right now, I don’t have any idea…I’m not revealing any candidates because I don’t know of any.” (Paul Guiterrez)
• According to Gruden, Raiders college scouting director Shaun Herock will be “a big part of the organization moving forward, honestly.“