Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders are desperate to turn their recent misfortune around, and are weighing all options available to do so.
In hopes of solidifying their offensive attack, the Raiders brought in former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz for an interview to potentially fill the same position. Martz spent 2012 out of the NFL after a disappointing coaching stint in Chicago in 2011, but could make a return to help aid the ailing Raiders.
Known for choreographing the “Greatest Show on Turf” during his days as the offensive coordinator and head coach of the St. Louis Rams in the early 2000s, Martz has lost his luster after unsuccessful coaching gigs with the Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. One final hoorah with the Raiders could be just what he needs to end his NFL coaching career on a positive note.
If the Raiders did hire Martz, they would need to make sure to invest significant time and cap space in their offensive line this off-season. The blocking was in shambles throughout the 2012 season, which wouldn’t work one bit in a Martz-run offense that relies heavily on the pass and aggressive play-calling.
Despite this apparent mismatch, it couldn’t hurt the Raiders much to give Martz the opportunity to run their inept offense. Oakland obviously has some talent – Darren McFadden, Carson Palmer, Denarius Moore – on the offensive side of the ball, but needs a coach capable of taking advantage of it. While with the Rams, Martz skyrocketed the careers of Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk, so there would be some semblance of hope if Oakland rolled the dice with the 61-year-old coach.
Regardless of what direction the Raiders go in at offensive coordinator, it’s unlikely that they’ll make a complete turnaround in 2013. At least with Martz in the mix, Oakland will know that they have an experienced play-caller who has tasted considerable success in the NFL.
There are definitely worse options at this point as the Raiders try to clean up the salary cap mess that Al Davis left behind.
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