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Lane Kiffin’s merciful exit is upon us

Posted on September 30th, 2008 – 1:40 PM
By Michael Rand

From ESPN.com:

The inevitable became reality Tuesday when Lane Kiffin was fired by Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis on Tuesday.

In a one-paragraph release, the team said “Lane Kiffin has been released as head coach of the Oakland Raiders for cause. “

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that according to sources, Kiffin was fired via the telephone and without pay.

Tom Cable, the team’s offensive line coach, was emerging as the leading candidate to replace Kiffin, a source said. Cable was among three coaches interviewed by Davis on Monday night; the others were offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and special consultant Paul Hackett.

And the killer stat:

During Kiffin’s 20-game tenure, in which the team was 5-15, the Raiders took leads into the fourth quarter of 11 games.

It’s firin’ season.

Let’s all remember that Kiffin is one of us. Also, he was passed over for the Gophers job that went to Tim Brewster. The mind reels.

14 Responses to "Lane Kiffin’s merciful exit is upon us"

Dave MN says:

September 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

Kiffin as Gophers coach: 0-12?

Dave MN says:

September 30th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

It’s firin’ season.

God, I hope so

Roberto El Doucho says:

September 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

I’d take him over Childress, but I’d rather have a large mound of fecal matter on the sidelines than your beloved Bradman.

Even if he was a good coach, I think I would still despise him. He has many of the same traits that made me vomit everytime I heard Mason talk.

We sure can pick-em.

How’s Kev McHale lately?

OHHHHHHHH, that will be a fun season!!!!!!!!!

Go TWINS!!!

MR says:

September 30th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

I’m not convinced that Kiffin is a bad coach. I’m just convinced that Al Davis is insane.

Joker says:

September 30th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

How can Al fire him without pay if he’s under contract?

newbie says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Good question Joker, it could be because he was starting to get lippy.

Kiffin is a good coach with Minnesota ties. I think it would not be outrageous to see him here soon.

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

Ok, Kiffin sucked the bag, but to fire him over the phone without pay is way harsh. I don’t think we would treat Osama bin Laden that way. Maybe with a running start in an open field but not by phone..Jees !

Joker says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

“Now we know what happened to Rand’s missing Star Tribune ID. Strangely, he had a happy hour with Joker just that week…”

Rand

What did I tell you? I said don’t do anything until I get back.

Brad Childress says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Totally unfair. My NFL is about medicrity, stupid play calling, poor clock management, molding poor players into bad players, and fun.

He’s a victim!

Sassbottom says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Kiffin is krap. Kouldn’t kare less about his kareer prospekts.

But seriously, folks … is it possible, say, with a hearty loss to Nawlins on Monday, that Zygi could say enough is enough and fire the poor bald bastard outright?

And if so, who is the likely replacement? Frazier? Bevell? Dear God. No. Billick!? Schottenheimer?! Matt Millen!?!?!

This franchise is so screwed.

Dave MN says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

Why can’t the Vikings hire someone new? I mean, aren’t there any good defensive coordinators out there? Obviously we don’t need another offensive guy at the helm.

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Why don’t they search the college ranks the way they do for college players. There are probably a dozen qualified head college coaches that could make the jump. I wonder if someone looked at the most successful NFL coaches if they made a quick jump from college to the NFL. If I wasn’t pretending I was working now, I would look that up (my boss is a Femanazi !!) Maybe someone else can look that up instead

AJ says:

September 30th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Fire Major Dad (Childress) and hire Bill Cowher