Shell Endorses Guys Who Runs Bed and Breakfast, Works Part-Time as Offensive Coordinator

At some point it's just too easy to write not-so-nice things about the Oakland Raiders. That point was about three weeks ago. But just when you thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous in Oakland, they inevitably do. In Saturday's Mercury News, Art Shell offers unwavering support for his offensive coordinator, Tom Walsh, who, as we all know by now, was running a bed and breakfast prior to joining the Raiders. Under most circumstances, unwavering support is a good thing, but the 2006 Raiders aren't normal.

Coach Art Shell didn't inherit a team with Tom Walsh in place at offensive coordinator. Nor did Shell settle upon Walsh after being snubbed by other candidates. No, this was a decision Shell made years ago, while he was waiting for a second shot at coaching.

It's now very clear to me why it took Shell so long to get another NFL job: he kept bringing up Walsh's name during interviews. What general manager -- even Matt Millen -- leaves an interview going, "You know, I really think a Bob Newhart-type would really add some life to this offense. I'm going with Shell, but only if he agrees to bring Walsh with him."? Right, none of them.

Shell compounds the problem when he says:

"He knows the system that I love... He knows this system, and he knows how to implement it... So, that was no big decision for me. We had been talking for the last few years about football, and if this came about, it was a natural for me."

Well, at the very least, that explains a lot. Plus, now we know that the "system Shell loves" includes games where his team has virtually no chance at scoring, let alone being competitive. Given that he compiled a 47-33 record in his first stint with the team, this change in coaching philosophy is certainly curious.