The Answer To The Raiders Coaching Search: Reality TV

Who says that Al Davis can't find young coaches? Bobby Petrino, Ken Whisenhunt and Sean Payton are all NFL coaches now. Of course, none of them are coaching or coached the Raiders. But what is important is that Davis identified them. Steve Sarkisian joins a list of pretty impressive coaches who have turned down the Raiders in the last two years. And a list of rather unimpressive coaches, too, including James Lofton, Pat Hill and the Corona High football coach.

(Alright, a high school coach has not turned down the job. Yet. Al still has about 30 years to live, so there is still time.)

The Raiders job has become the equivalent of being seen with publicly Britney Spears. At some point you have to wonder why all of these coaches are turning down the gig and it probably starts with Jon Gruden. These coaches likely talk to Gruden about the job who gives them the low-down on the gig and realize there are better opportunities out there. Be it the money, lack of control, or just dealing with Al, there are better deals to be had. Hell, Sarkisian would rather be a college assistant than be the head coach of the Raiders. (Although, Sarkisian will likely take the USC job when Carroll bolts next season.)

So how can this all be changed? Simple. Reality television.
The NFL should step in here and demand that the Raiders settle their coaching search via a reality TV show. Something along the lines of the Apprentice and Survivor, a group of candidates can square off to be the next coach of the Raiders. Heck, you can even broadcast it on NFL Network.

At least then, maybe somebody would watch that channel.

Coaches can compete in a variety of contests that range from playing Madden (cross-marketing at its finest), washing Al's bunions, running around in a white jump suit, standing on the sideline expressionless for three hours and impregnating a charter-jet air hostess. Instead of the competing coaches voting off a candidate each week, the jury could be made up of former Raiders coaches such as Art Shell, Tom Flores, John Madden, Mike White, Norv Turner, Bill Callahan and Mike Shanahan. And while the Raiders might not find the perfect candidate, it would have to be better than who they end up with now.

This is an idea whose time has come. And all that your truly would want is a producer credit.