Advice For Hue Jackson, The Oakland Raiders New Head Coach

Two hours ago, Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson was named "Head Coach," of the Oakland Raiders. The news, officially broke by ESPN's NFL General Manager-in-the-making Michael Smith, was really no surprise to observers. In fact, had Raiders Manager of the General Partner Al Davis not named Jackson the next coach, it would have been a surprise.

But now that Jackson's the official choice, and a press conference will be held on Tuesday at Oakland Raiders Head Quarters, here's some scheme-oriented advice, offense first.

First, don't be afraid to be innovative, even if it means arguing with Mr. Davis - This is important because in an NFL with an unprecedented talent balance, having a new approach will make the difference between wins and losses. Some say there's nothing new in football, but that's totally wrong; what's new is the application of an approach at a specific point of time for a specific reason unique to your personel.

Second, give some study to the New Orleans Saints "offensive habit" of "misdirection passing." They're the masters of calling plays that have their quarterbacks look, or pump-fake, in one direction, then throw back to the real primary receiver in the other direction. And when they don't do that, the Saints are excellent at using receiver motion, sending a back or tight-end in one direction, then throwing to a receiver in the other direction. They did this to perfection against the Atlanta Falcons this year. It's something you must incorporate in the Raiders Offense.

Third, don't forget to throw to the running backs, early and often.

Fourth, please install and use a healthy dose of three-step passes, like this one at the left, an actual play from the San Francisco 49ers 1982 Offensive Playbook.





Fifth, make sure you move the passing pocket, with sprint passes and rollout passes, and do this as a matter of routine each game.

Sixth, make sure you install and actually use gadgets plays (trick plays, exotics) each game to keep your opponent off-balance.

Seventh, Have several game plans for each game, one basic, and several for use when certain personnel are injured during the game.   This way, should your speedy receiver or star tight ends go down, you'll have a ready backup plan.  

Well, that's just for starters and defense is next.

Good luck, Coach Jackson!