Raiders Expected to Hire Former Cowboys DC Rod Marinelli
By Brendan Balsamo
In a surprising move, Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders have decided to let go of defensive line coach Brenston Buckner after one season.
To replace Buckner, the Raiders are reportedly expected to bring aboard recently-ousted Cowboys DC Rod Martinelli.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden fires DL coach Brenston Buckner, expected to replace with Rod Marinelli (via @JimTrotter_NFL) https://t.co/MvZDUbhU9S pic.twitter.com/34PC2Osr6t
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 14, 2020
Marinelli and Gruden are reuniting after not having coached together since 2005, when the former worked as an assistant coach for Gruden's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The pair won a Super Bowl alongside one another in 2002.
This is certainly a surprising move, as Buckner showed great promise as a defensive line coach. After accumulating a league-worst 13 sacks in 2018, Buckner brought that total up to 32 in his one and only season in Oakland in 2019.
Apparently, that wasn't enough for Gruden to justify keeping him around, at least not in favor of the experienced Marinelli.
Today is a terrific reminder that if you think you know what Jon Gruden is going to do, think again.
— Kris Wysong (@KrisWysong) January 14, 2020
None of us know anything. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/omNTmwsue3
Marinelli is most definitely a great coach and will be a good addition for Gruden's staff. He's spent the past 46 years coaching football, spreading from high school, college and professional ranks. He's worked in the NFL since 1996, specializing as a defensive-minded coach.
Thoughts about Rod Marinelli replacing Brentson Buckner:
— Maurice Moton (@MoeMoton) January 14, 2020
-As many said, Marinelli worked w/Jon Gruden in TB (in the same role)
-Marinelli has been a good D.C. w/#Bears #Cowboys in the past
-Pauley G could be on the clock bc of the hire
-Buckner still good at his job#Raiders
With the Raiders looking to further improve their numbers on defense, the latest hire of Marinelli could prove effective. With budding young talents on defense, including Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, perhaps Gruden feels the 70-year-old is the best guy to maximize their talent.