The Oakland Raiders, long one of the most dysfunctional NFL franchises, seem to be on the verge of finally pulling themselves together and finding a way out of the dark and into the light - or, perhaps more aptly, for an organization and fanbase that pride themselves on playing the hard-hearted villain, 'out of the light and further into the dark' may be more accurate.
A coaching change is rumored to be on the horizon, though GM Reggie McKenzie, who is expected to remain safe, has said that interim coach Tony Sparano will get a fair shake when it comes to the full-time gig.
Who else is owner Mark Davis eyeing as the potential next leader of his formerly downtrodden franchise?
"The Raiders intend to try to land Harbaugh and owner Mark Davis is committed to spending big to land him, even though Harbaugh has told friends that he plans to take the University of Michigan job," writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
Harbaugh's name has been connected with both Michigan and the Raiders for some time. At this point, it may simply be a matter of who will pay him what - Michigan is reportedly offering $8 million a year - and where he prefers to be.
If Davis and the Raiders are unable to land Harbaugh, there are a few interesting names that could come up in connection with the job.
"If Davis cannot land Harbaugh, sources said Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is thought of highly in that building and the former Jaguars coach is expected to get the opportunity to interview there," La Canfora wrote. "The Raiders also intend to ask for permission to interview Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles."
Del Rio spent 11 years as a player in the league before switching over to coaching. He has held a number of positions and held the head coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011, amassing a 68-71 regular season record and a 1-2 playoff record.
Bowles also spent eight seasons as a player in the league and has held the position of defensive backs coach in a number of NFL destinations. Before taking over his current position with the Cardinals, he held the same position with the Philadelphia Eagles and was, at one time, the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins following the firing of none other than Tony Sparano.
While McKenzie is expected to be safe and will assist in the coaching search, La Canfora notes that if a coach like Harbaugh were to ask for more power in player-personnel decisions, Davis would be willing to change his stance on McKenzie's future.
"Furthermore, while Davis continues to support the idea that Reggie McKenzie remain his general manager, sources said, though that situation could become much more fluid should be get deep in talks with a big fish like Harbaugh who would most likely want a say in hiring the personnel staff," La Canfora wrote. "Eagles personnel executive Tom Gamble is one person Harbaugh is high on for a potential personnel role with him, league sources said."
