New Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio is nearing the final stages of assembling his second NFL coaching staff.
The latest, and perhaps biggest piece of the puzzle, may now be falling into place.
It seems that current Louisville defensive coordinator and former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, is "meeting with" Del Rio and the rest of the Raiders brass today, according to Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 D.C.
Grantham is considered a "favorite."
The 48-year-old Grantham was with the Indianapolis Colts from 1999-2001 and the Houston Texans from 2002-2004 as defensive line coach before becoming the coordinator in Cleveland.
In his initial season with the Browns and head coach Romeo Crennel, his unit finished fourth in the league against the pass and 11th in the NFL in scoring defense. They were, however, one of the worst run defenses in the league.
Grantham was relieved of his duties on Jan. 11, 2008 after his defense finished the 2007 season ranked 25th against the pass, 27th against the run and 30th in total yards allowed.
After his firing in Cleveland, Grantham again returned to his defensive line roots, taking over that position group with the Dallas Cowboys from 2008-2009.
After his stint with the Cowboys, Grantham jumped to college, becoming the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldog's from 2010-2013 before joining Louisville for a season.
With the Bulldogs, Grantham employed a 3-4 scheme that helped the team finish the 2011 season, his second with Georgia, 3rd in the nation in total defense.
Prior to last season, he was given a five-year contract worth $1 million annually by Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino.
His unit finished this year ranked 10th in the nation against the run and 26th against the pass for an overall ranking of 6th.
