Raiders Introduce Gruden As Coach, Confirm Rooney Rule Satisfied

The Raiders today formally introduced Jon Gruden as their new coach, and team Owner Mark Davis before Gruden took the stage said, "Raider Nation, this is a big 'effing' deal." Davis and Gruden would not disclose details of the contract structure and value, but Davis did note the NFL "has a salary cap for players." Davis: "One of the big differences in teams is the front office or the coaching staffs. ... There's no cap there." GM Reggie McKenzie confirmed that the club satisfied the Rooney Rule in its search, interviewing internal candidate Bobby Johnson and USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin.

One of the lighter moments of the event occurred when Gruden asked about the future of Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch, with the coach replying he has "never met" Lynch. Gruden: "Even as a broadcaster, I asked for Marshawn Lynch in production meetings, and I never got to meet him" (RAIDERS.com, 1/9).