Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio believes he's gotten himself into a fantastic position.
While appearing on a recent episode of The Jim Rome Show, Del Rio spoke about his deep-seated belief in young Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, a player he feels the team can build their offense and their culture around.
"Carr's a special young talent," Del Rio said, according to The Jim Rome Show website. "He's got a really quick release, good decision maker; he's shown some of that grit we're looking for, some of that toughness, so he's a guy that we feel like we have an opportunity to build around."
He also revealed that, as part of his conversations with Raiders owner Mark Davis and GM Reggie McKenzie prior to accepting the position as head coach, he questioned them about whether or not the team would be relocating.
He got the answer he was hoping to get.
"Those discussions absolutely came up and my question was 'Are we going to stay in Oakland?' and he said 'My intent is to keep the team there,'" Del Rio said. "Look I'm from this area, and that's exactly what I wanted to hear. He's trying to keep the team here and hopefully that will happen."
He did admit that, while his preference is for the team to stay in Oakland, if the franchise were to move, he wouldn't be overly upset with Los Angeles as a possible destination.
"Well I went to school at Southern Cal, so if that has to happen, that has to happen," Del Rio said. "But right now we're here, committed to being here, and I'm looking forward to helping the Raiders get back to where they belong."
Del Rio has stepped into the leading role for a Raiders team that hasn't seen the playoffs since 2002 and finished last season 3-13.
He has his work cut out for him in retooling the lineup and returning the once proud franchise to glory, but with Carr on the roster and Davis providing assurances that he'll be keeping the team in Oakland, Del Rio sees a bright future for himself and for the organization.
