Raiders Notes: Jon Gruden, Reggie McKenzie, Tee Martin, Rich Gannon, Derek Carr

During his introductory press conference Tuesday, Jon Gruden told reporters that he’s happy to be back in Oakland and coaching theย Raiders again.

โ€œI never wanted to leave the Raiders,โ€ Gruden said. โ€œI never thought Iโ€™d be back, but here I am.โ€

โ€œIn my heart, this is something I wanted to do. I am all in,โ€ Gruden added.

Here’s a collection of notes from the press conference:

  • Raiders owner Mark Davis started things off by saying: “Raider Nation, this is a big effing deal. Please welcome the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, Mr. Jon Gruden.”
  • Gruden formally announced Paul Guenther as DC, Greg Olson as OC, Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator. (Michael Gehlken)
  • Gruden added that he’s well aware that he has a lot toย prove in his return to the NFL: “I have a lot to prove. There’s no question. I haven’t coached since 2008. I haven’t won a game since 2008. I haven’t lost any either.” (Tom Pelissero)
  • Gruden also admitted that he will likely have a bullseye on his chest:ย “I know there’s a big bull’s-eye on my chest. … I know people will want to step on me and beat me and that’s just the way this league is.” (Tom Pelissero)
  • Raiders GMย Reggie McKenzie said: โ€œWeโ€™re going to work great together.โ€ (Vic Tafur)
  • When asked about his reported 10-year, $100 million contract, Gruden said: โ€œI donโ€™t have a guarantee to be alive for 10 years.โ€ (Michael Gehlken)
  • Gruden confirmed that he plans to call offensive plays: “My intentions are to call the plays, yes.” (Albert Breer)
  • Davis actually referred to Tuesday as the “biggest day of [his] life” and said he was courting Gruden for six years: “My vision at that time was to have Jon Gruden to coach this football team … It took me six years of chasing him. … It is the biggest day of my life.” (Albert Breer)
  • McKenzie announced that they interviewed two minority candidates for the head coach position including USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin and Raiders TE coach Bobby Johnson. (Michael Gehlken)
  • Gruden mentioned that he’s looking forward to meeting RB Marshawn Lynch:ย “I’ve never met Marshawn Lynch. Even as a broadcaster. I’ve asked for Marshawn Lynch in production meetings and have never met him. I’m anxious to sit down with him and meet him and talk about his future.” (Paul Gutierrez)
  • Gruden said he’s โ€œvery, very excitedโ€ to work with QB Derek Carr and cited three broken bones and a number of changes at coordinator as some of the issues he’s dealt with in recent years.
  • Rich Gannon said he hasnโ€™t had a conversation yet about joining Grudenโ€™s staff. โ€œThatโ€™d be a major decision.โ€ (Jimmy Durkin)

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