Oakland Raiders executive John Herrera refutes the reports that the organization is considering Don Martindale for the head coaching job. Martindale, the team's linebackers coach, interviewed with Al Davis on Saturday for the defensive coordinator position. ESPN hastily and erroneously reported that following the interview, Martindale had become a candidate for Raiders' head coach.
It's no secret that the Raiders organization has some animosity towards ESPN's representation of them in the media. Al Davis has referred to ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen as a "professional liar" in regards to the claim that Davis was going to sell part of his stake in the team.
This is what Raiders exectuive John Herrera had to say to the San Jose Mercury News concerning this recent rumor:
"Once again ESPN has chosen to air something that has no basis in fact".
"It is true that Mr. Davis met with Martindale (on Saturday). It was a (2-1/2)-hour interview, but it had nothing to do with becoming a head coach. While we think highly of Don Martindale, he had a 2 1/2-hour interview that centered on the defense".
