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2021 Gameday Magazine - Week 1 vs. Baltimore
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RAIDERS VS. RAVENS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
Game Entertainment. ............................ 6 Players to Watch. ................................... 8 Connections ......................................... 10 Al Davis Tribute.................................... 13 Mark Davis........................................... 15 FRONT OFFICE: Mike Mayock........................................ 18 John Gruden......................................... 21 Rich Bisaccia......................................... 26 Gus Bradley.......................................... 30 Greg Olson. .......................................... 34 Coaching Staff ...................................... 36 Football and Business Executives ......... 80 Greatness of the Raiders...................... 82 Super Bowl Rings. ................................ 84 Code of Conduct. ................................. 87 Parking Conduct................................... 88 A-Z Stadium Guide............................... 91 Silver and Black Promotions . ............. 118 Raiders Radio..................................... 122 2021 Schedule.................................... 126
Raiders Talent..................................... 129 Meet the Raiders. .............................. 130 Raiders Roster.................................... 132 Ravens Roster..................................... 133 Meet the Ravens................................ 134 Alex Leatherwood............................... 137 Tom Flores Hall of Fame Induction ...... 145 Charles Woodson Hall of Fame Induction ... 147 Cliff Branch Hall of Fame Finalist ......... 149 Quick Hits............................................ 153 Raiderette of the Game . .................... 155 Meet the Raiderettes ......................... 156 Raiders in the Community. ................ 161 Raiders Alumni................................... 167 Raider Image...................................... 169 Raiders in the NFL.............................. 171 Raiders in the Hall of Fame................ 175 All-Time Honors. ................................ 232 All-Time Pro Bowl............................... 242 Individual Leaders.............................. 253 Raiders vs NFL.................................... 262 All-Time Roster................................... 270 Raiders Chronology............................ 352
Editor: Katie Agostin Contributing Writers: Will Kiss, Bailey Black, Levi Edwards, Rachel Gossen, Eddie Paskal and Cam Russo Contributing Photographers: Michael Clemens, Matt Aguirre, Raiders Archive and AP Images GAMEDAY
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GAME ENTERTAINMENT
GIVEAWAYS: • LED Wristbands • Collectible rally towel presented by MGM Resorts GLADYS KNIGHT Often referred to as the “Empress of Soul”, American singer- songwriter, entrepreneur and humanitarian Gladys Knight was one of the most adored soul singers of the 1960s and 1970s. Her remarkable, hit-laden career has spanned more than seven decades. Her stunning voice produced classics for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels. Gladys rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Pips. The group also included her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, and their cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Gladys Knight & the Pips scored a series of highly successful hit singles onMotown’s “Soul” record label andBuddah Records from 1967 to 1975. A few of them include “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1967), “Midnight Train to Georgia” (1973), and “Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” (1977). Gladys has won numerous awards and accolades in her career, including seven Grammys, Soul Train Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, BET Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1989) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1996).
COLOR GUARD The Honor Guard presenting the colors is from Creech Air Force Base, headquarters of the 432nd Wing & 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing. The Wing is the Air Force’s first Remotely Piloted Aircraft wing and is equipped with more than 120 MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel aircraft. The wing conducts 24/7 persistent attack and reconnaissance combat operations worldwide 365 days a year, and is comprised of 5,000 people, across 20 squadrons, at multiple bases in the United States.
FLYOVER The flyover today is performed by four F-35A fighter jets from the United States Air Force 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron (422 TES) out of Nellis Air Force Base. The squadron performs operational testing of fighter aircraft currently employed globally by Air Combat Command. The F-35 Division was established September 2013 for testing and evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
RAVENS
YANNICK NGAKOUE
LAMAR JACKSON Quarterback Lamar Jackson enters his fourth year with the Baltimore Ravens. Since his first NFL start in Week 11 of 2018, Jackson has led Baltimore to a 30-7 record in the regular season, with his 30 wins ranking first among all NFL quarterbacks. In 2020, Jackson led a Baltimore offense that produced the NFL’s No. 1 rushing attack (191.9 yards per game), which posted the third- most yards (3,071) ever in a 16-game NFL season. Baltimore also owned the seventh-best scoring offense (29.3 point per game) and fourth-best third- down offense (48.8 percent) behind Jackson. His career totals include 46 games played with 37 starts, completing 606-of-947 passes (64.0 percent) for 7,085 yards with 68 touchdowns against 18 interceptions for a passer rating of 102.6. QB
DE
Defensive end enters first season with the Silver and Black after compiling 45.5 sacks over his first five seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-19), Minnesota Vikings (2020) and Baltimore Ravens (2020). Since sacks became an official stat in 1982, Ngakoue is just one of four players to begin his career with five consecutive eight-plus sack seasons. He ranks sec - ond in the NFL with 18 forced fumbles since 2016 and second in Jaguars his- tory with 37.5 career sacks and is tied for first with eight multi-sack contests. In 2020, Ngakoue appeared in 15 contests (six with the Vikings and nine with the Ravens), recording his fifth season with at least eight sacks. His career totals include 78 appearances with 70 starts, compiling 145 tackles (128), 45.5 sacks, two INTs including one returned for a TD, 10 passes defensed, 18 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
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CONNECTIONS
PRO CONNECTIONS • Raiders TE Darren Waller was originally selected in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft and spent four seasons (2015-18) before signing to the Raiders active roster from the Ravens’ practice squad during the 2018 season. • Raiders WR Willie Snead IV played three seasons for Baltimore (2018-20), appearing in 45 games with 29 starts before joining the Raiders this offseason. • Raiders DE Yannick Ngakoue was acquired by Baltimore in a trade in 2020 and appeared in nine games with the Ravens before joining the Raiders this offseason. • Raiders LS Trent Sieg entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens in the 2018 offseason before joining the Raiders ahead of the regular season. • Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable and Ravens i nside linebackers coach Rob Ryan worked together on the Raiders staff from2007-08, serving as offensive line coach and defensive coordinator, respectively. • Raiders assistant wide receivers coach Nick Holz and Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman worked together at Stanford from 2009-11, serving as offensive assistant/quarterbacks and assistant head coach, respectively. • Raiders defensive backs coach Ron Milus and Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris served on the same staff in San Diego from 203-15. • Ravens defensive backs coach D’Anton Lynn served under Raiders defensive backs coach Ron Milus with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, serving as defensive assistant. • Ravens defensive coordinator coach Don Martindale got his start in the NFL as the Raiders linebackers coach from 2004-08. • Ravens wide receivers coach Tee Martin played quarterback for the Raiders in 2003. • Ravens inside linebackers coach Rob Ryan earned his first NFL defensive coordinator position with the Raiders, holding the position from 2004-08. • Ravens defensive tackle Justin Ellis was originally selected by the Raiders in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the club before joining the Ravens in 2019.
• Ravens TE Eric Tomlinson appeared in three games with one start for the Raiders in 2019. • Ravens P Johnny Townsend was originally selected by the Raiders in the fifth round (173rd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft and spent one season with the club. • Ravens DE Chris Smith appeared in eight games for the Raiders in 2020. COLLEGE CONNECTIONS • Raiders DT Quinton Jefferson played in 52 career games with 38 starts at Maryland from 2012-15. • Raiders DE Yannick Ngakoue played in 30 games at Maryland from 2013-15. • Raiders WR DJ Turner played four years at Maryland from 2016-19 after prepping at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md. • Raiders RB Josh Jacobs was teammates at Alabama with Ravens CB Anthony Averett (2016-17) and CB Marlon Humphrey (2016). • Raiders CB Amik Robertson was teammates at Louisiana Tech with Ravens OLB Jaylon Ferguson from 2017-18. • Raiders CB Damon Arnette and Ravens LB Malik Harrison were teammates at Ohio State from 2016-19. • Raiders G Richie Incognito and Ravens P Sam Koch were teammates at Nebraska in 2004. • Raiders T E Foster Moreau and Ravens LB Patrick Queen were teammates at LSU from 2017-18. HOMETOWN CONNECTIONS • Raiders LB Marquel Lee is a native of Waldorf, Md., where he attended Westlake High School. • Raiders T Devery Hamilton grew up in Ellicott City, Md. and attended Gilman High School in Baltimore, Md. • Raiders CB Trayvon Mullen Jr. and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson are first cousins.
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A culture of giving
Building a brighter tomorrow
For generations, our Tribe has called the Inland Empire region our home, and we take pride in supporting our neighbors and the world around us. Throughout today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities, our Tribe will always be here for this community. Honoring our history. Celebrating our culture. Building a brighter future for us all.
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Davis always said, “The fire that burns the brightest in this organization is the will to win.” A flame, initially lit by Raiders legend John Madden in October 2011, now stands at the Coliseum, continuing to blaze, much like the legacy of the man who presided over the Raiders for 49 seasons. Davis rewrote the standard for leadership and his famous Silver and Black was founded on a series of unshakeable principles. Said Davis: “What’s important to me, the legacy that we leave, is the greatness of the Raiders. I wanted to build the finest organization in professional sports … for all time. I think I’ve done what I wanted.” C O M M I T M E N T T O E X C E L L E N C E AL DAVIS
Al Davis, a true legend, was a maverick, a giant among giants, a hero, a leader, a mentor and a friend.
He was an innovator, a pioneer with a deep love and passion for football. His contributions to the game are immeasurable. Because he dared to dream, his legacy will endure forever through generations of players, coaches, administrators and fans. Al Davis was a champion of diversity who maintained the courage of his convictions, often saying he’d rather be feared than respected. His loyalty for his teamwas unmatched, and that passion we all loved was best exemplified by three of his famous phrases: “Commitment to Excellence” … “Pride and Poise” and “Just Win, Baby.”
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COACHES & ADMINISTRATION
GENERAL MANAGER MIKE MAYOCK 5TH SEASON IN NFL (2 AS A PLAYER) | 3RD SEASON WITH RAIDERS
Mike Mayock was named General Manager of the Raiders on Dec. 31, 2018, becoming just the third general manager in Raiders franchise history. Mayock previously served as an Emmy-nominated analyst and draft expert for the NFL Network and handled color commentary duties in the broadcast booth for both college and NFL games before joining the Silver and Black. Mayock applied his expertise in player evaluation once again in the 2021 early free agency period, addressing needs on defense by signing defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, while adding dynamic playmakers in wide receiver John Brown and running back Kenyan Drake on offense. Mayock and Head Coach Jon Gruden were also able to retain important contributors on the Raiders roster, extending the contracts of tackle Kolton Miller and center Andre James, while re-signing defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The 2021 NFL Draft saw the Raiders take a methodical approach that added talent and overall depth to the roster. Headlining the draft haul was Alabama All-American Alex Leatherwood in the first round, a key addition to the offensive line who is expected to start immediately at right tackle for the Silver and Black. The Raiders were then able to execute the first of two draft-day trades, moving up five spots to secure TCU safety Tre’von Moehrig with the 43rd- overall pick, adding a dynamic playmaker to the secondary. Las Vegas continued to stock the defense with back-to-back picks in the third round, selecting pass rusher Malcolm Koonce from Buffalo and linebacker Divine Deablo from Virginia Tech with the No. 79 and No. 80 picks, respectively. Continuing to add athleticism and versatility to the defense, Mayock traded up into the fourth round on the draft’s third day to select Missouri safety Tyree Gillespie before nabbing Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs in the fifth round. Pittsburgh offensive lineman Jimmy Morrissey rounded out the team’s selections in the seventh round, concluding a draft in which the Raiders did not pick an offensive skill position player for the first time in franchise history. Mayock provided his own stamp on the Raiders’ roster through free agency in both 2019 and 2020, adding significant talent to increase depth and competition throughout the roster. In 2020, the Raiders signed 12 new unrestricted free agents to address needs on both sides of the ball. The linebacker corps was bolstered with the signings of Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton, while the additions of future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Marcus Mariota provided depth and leadership. Mayock’s second NFL Draftwith the Silver and Black in 2020 saw the Raiders add speed, toughness and a desire for competition, identified as key “Raider traits,” with seven picks through just four rounds. Roster needs at wide receiver and cornerback were addressed early,
as explosive Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, the fastest player in the draft, and versatile Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette were taken in the first round. Without a second-round pick, Mayock used two of three third-round selections to nab South Carolina wide receiver Bryan Edwards and Clemson linebacker Tanner Muse. On the draft’s third day, Mayock used a second draft-day trade to move up and select Clemson guard John Simpson, the fifth player plucked from “Death Valley” by the Raiders in two years, before rounding out the class by drafting Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson later in the fourth round. In his first NFL Draft at the helm, Mayock and Head Coach Jon Gruden used four picks among the top-40 players selected to assemble a group of “foundational” standouts. The Raiders selected
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COACHES & ADMINISTRATION
defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell from Clemson with the fourth-overall pick before adding Alabama running back Josh Jacobs and Mississippi State safety Johnathan Abramwith late first-round selections. Mayock executed two trades on the draft’s second day to move back to the 40th-overall spot, selecting Clemson defensive back Trayvon Mullen and netting additional fourth and fifth-round picks. The Raiders were involved in five draft-day trades in total, trading up in the fifth round to pick Clemson wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, helping complete a draft haul that earned plaudits from around the NFL. In addition, five rookie free agents who signed with the Silver and Black immediately after the draft spent significant time on the active roster during the 2019 season, including fullback Alec Ingold, who was selected as Pro Bowl alternate, and punter A.J. Cole, who placed 33 punts inside the 20-yard line, tied for the third-most in Raiders history. The Raiders’ 2019 rookie class registered as one of the most immediately impactful in team history, producing the PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner in Jacobs, while rookie defensive end Maxx Crosby, a fourth-round selection, finished the year as an AP Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. As a whole, the 2019 draft class led the NFL in sacks (14.5), touchdowns from scrimmage (17), rushing yards (1,167), rushing touchdowns (seven), rushing first downs (60) and yards after catch (676), while finishing second in receptions (107), receiving yards (1,112) and first-down receptions (62). Prior to assembling talent for the Raiders, Mayock’s NFL Draft analysis had been one of the most respected voices among media, NFL front office personnel and team scouting departments. His expertise featured within the NFL Network’s extensive coverage of the NFL Draft, including the show “Path To The Draft,” as well as the
network’s exclusive coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine and the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Outside of the studio, Mayock served as the television analyst for the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason games since 2015. He also served as a game analyst for NFL Network’s broadcasts of the Senior Bowl and East-West all-star game, as well as preseason analyst for the Minnesota Vikings for several seasons. In 2010, Mayock became the color commentator for NBC’s coverage of Notre Dame football, teaming with play-by-play announcer Tom Hammond. In January 2011, he teamed with Hammond to call NBC’s broadcast of the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks. The following year, he called an AFC Wild Card contest featuring the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans. Mayock teamed with Brad Nessler to call the NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football package from 2011-2013. Prior to joining NFL Network, Mayock served as a college football analyst for ABC Sports (2001-03), Fox Sports Net (2000), and CBS Sports (1996-99). He also covered the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as a reporter for CBS (1997-99). From 1993-95, Mayock worked on ESPN’s coverage of the Canadian Football League. A 10th-round pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mayock then played for the New York Giants from 1982-83. He is a member of the Boston College Hall of Fame, where he captained both the football and baseball teams. Mayock graduated from Boston College in 1980. Mayock and his wife Amanda have four children (Leigh, Michael, Mackenzie and Jack).
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COACHES & ADMINISTRATION
HEAD COACH JON GRUDEN
22ND SEASON IN NFL | 8TH SEASON WITH RAIDERS
Jon Gruden returned as head coach of the Oakland Raiders on Jan. 9, 2018, welcoming back one of the most respected and successful coaches in the storied history of the Silver and Black. Gruden, who was first introduced as head coach of the Raiders over 20 years ago, served four seasons with the Raiders from 1998- 2001. In his third season back with the Raiders and the franchises’ inaugural campaign in Las Vegas, Gruden guided the Silver and Black to an 8-8 record that included a 6-2 mark on the road. The road victory total was themost for a Raiders teamsince 2016 and just the fourth time in 40 years that a Raiders squad has produced that many wins on the road. He also oversaw the continued development of quarterback Derek Carr and an explosive offense that saw remarkable individual and collective performances throughout the year. In 2020, Carr set a career high with 4,103 passing yards and became the first Raiders quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in three straight seasons, all coming under Gruden’s tutelage. In addition, tight end Daren Waller broke the franchise single-season mark with 107 receptions and running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,065 yards to become the first Raider to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first two seasons. Both Waller and Jacobs were rewarded with Pro Bowl bids for their performances. The offense as a collective ranked among the league’s elite, as the unit ranked No. 8 in the NFL in total offense (383.3 avg.), No. 7 in passing (263.6 avg.) and No. 10 in points per game (27.1 avg.). In addition, the Raiders offense ranked No. 6 in the league on third down (46.0 percent) and No. 3 on fourth down (76.2 percent). In his second season back with the Silver and Black in 2019, Gruden was the architect of an offense that proved explosive and dynamic in helping the team nearly double its win total from the previous season. Carr set a franchise record and ranked second in the NFL with a 70.4 completion percentage (361-for-513) and snapped a career high with 4,054 passing yards. Carr was particularly dangerous in third-down situations, posting a league-best 14 TDs and a 127.4 passer rating, the eighth highest in the NFL since 1991. Jacobs set a franchise rookie recordwith 1,150 rushing yards and seven TDs in his first season out of Alabama, garnering PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the second Offensive Rookie of the Year coached by Gruden (Carnell Williams – 2005). Waller also emerged as an elite weapon, totaling 90 receptions for 1,145 yards and three TDs in his first full season of action. The Raiders’ 2019 rookie class registered as one of the most immediately impactful in team history, producing the award-winning Jacobs, while rookie defensive end Maxx Crosby, a fourth-round selection, finished the year as an AP Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist. As a whole, the 2019 draft class led the NFL in sacks (14.5), touchdowns from scrimmage (17), rushing yards (1,167), rushing touchdowns (seven), rushing first downs (60) and yards after catch (676), while finishing second in receptions (107), receiving yards (1,112) and first-down receptions (62). Carr made significant strides during Gruden’s first season back on the sideline in 2018, as he established career single-seasonhighs in completions (381), passing yards (4,049) and completion percentage (68.9). Carr also piloted three fourth quarter/ overtime game-winning drives on the season and set a franchise record by throwing 332 consecutive passes without and interception, a streak that covered 10 games. The naming of Gruden marked his return to coaching after spending nearly a decade inbroadcasting, including color analyst duties on theMondayNight Football
franchise from 2009-2017. Gruden compiled a 95-81 (.540) regular season mark in 11 seasons as a head coach with the Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-08), and a 5-4 record (.556) in postseason contests, which includes a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII. The youngest head coach in the NFL at age 34 upon his initial hire by Raiders Owner Al Davis in 1998, Gruden posted a 38-26 record (.594) and led the Silver and Black to back-to-back AFCWest titles in 2000 and 2001. He guided the Raiders to an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2000, a campaign in which the Raiders set a franchise record with 479 points and led the NFL in rushing (154.4 avg.). The Raiders ranked in the top-seven in total offense in three of Gruden’s four seasons in Oakland, including the top-three in rushing twice and the top-seven in passing once. Defensively, Gruden’s units twice ranked among the league’s top-10 in total defense, including the fifth-overall rush defense in 2000 and two top-nine finishes in passing defense.
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In all, Gruden-led teams have claimed five division championships andhave recordedsix seasonswithnine-or-more wins. As a head coach, he has seen 26 different players combine for 44 Pro Bowl selections. He has also coached recipients of the Associated Press’ Defensive Rookie of the Year (Charles Woodson – 1998), Defensive Player of the Year (Derrick Brooks – 2002) and Offensive Rookie of the Year (Carnell “Cadillac” Williams – 2005, Josh Jacobs – 2019) Awards. In addition, Rich Gannon was tabbed for the Maxwell Club’s Bert Bell Award as the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2000 and five players who Gruden tutored as a head coach have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jerry Rice (2010), Warren Sapp (2013), Brooks (2014), Tim Brown (2015) and Charles Woodson (2021). Regarded as one of the league’s top quarterback mentors, Gruden tutored Gannon to three Pro Bowl selections in Oakland and two of the then-top three single-season passing yardage totals in Raiders history. Gannon was the first of three quarterbacks under Gruden as a head coach to be selected for the Pro Bowl (1999-2001), as both Brad Johnson (2002) and Jeff Garcia (2007) earned recognition during his time with the Buccaneers. Gruden became just the fifth head coach since 1980 to win four-or-more division titles with four different quarterbacks starting in the playoffs. Gruden joined ESPN in 2009 as an analyst for Monday Night Football and contributed analysis year-round on ESPN’s platforms, earning six Sports Emmy nominations. In addition to Monday Night Football, Gruden was part of ESPN’s annual NFL Draft coverage and his Gruden’s QB Camp series became one of the network’s most anticipated programs each year. His QB Camp primetime series debuted in 2010, featuring in-depth, one-on-one interviews and film sessions in which he mentored top quarterback prospects, including the Raiders’ current signal-caller Derek Carr. The success of Gruden’s QB Camp show led to similar specials, including a Gruden’s Champ Camp special with New Orleans Saints Super Bowl winners Drew Brees and Sean Payton in 2010, as well as a SportsCenter Special with Brett Favre prior to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In addition to his NFL role, Gruden called numerous college football telecasts for ESPN, including the Rose Bowl (2010) and BCS National Championship games (2010 and 2011) for ESPN Radio, and the 2011 and 2012 Outback and Orange Bowl games, where he worked alongside former MNF partner Mike Tirico and others. Gruden conducted regular film study at his Tampa office – affectionately named the FFCA (Fired Football Coaches Association), welcoming high school, college and professional coaches to discuss football strategy, philosophy and to review game film. Gruden spent seven seasons as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing his time there as the winningest coach in franchise history by compiling a 57-55 (.509) regular-season record, while leading the Buccaneers to three division titles and a 3-2 mark in the postseason. Under Gruden’s direction, Tampa Bay posted three top-15 finishes in passing offense and boasted five top-five defenses, including the league’s overall leader in defense in both 2002 (252.8 avg.) and 2005 (277.8 avg.). The Buccaneers’ defensive units also led the NFL in passing defense in 2002 (155.6 avg.), 2004 (161.2 avg.) and 2007 (170.5 avg.).
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Tampa Bay posted a 9-7 record in 2008, narrowly missing the playoffs despite recording the team’s most net passing yards (3,619) since 2003 and scoring the second-most points (361) in team history at the time. Additionally, the Bucs eclipsed 1,800 yards rushing (1,837) for the third time in four seasons and the defense tied for third in the league with 22 interceptions. In 2007, Gruden led the Buccaneers to their third NFC South title in six years, becoming the first coach in team history to claim three division titles. He also became the first coach to win multiple NFC South titles since the division was created in 2002 and his five-career division crowns were tied for second among active coaches at the time. Gruden’s quarterbacks set a franchise record by throwing just eight interceptions, which was the lowest single-season total in team history. The team averaged 4.17 yards per rushing attempt, which ranked second in club history, and the 117.0 yards per game on the ground marked the sixth-highest average in team annals. Garcia was named to the Pro Bowl after establishing a team mark with a 1.2 interception percentage. Defensively, the Bucs ranked second in the NFL (278.4 avg.) and topped the league in passing defense (170.5 avg.). Gruden started three different quarterbacks during the 2006 season with Chris Simms starting the first three games before suffering an injury. Bruce Gradkowski started 11 contests and established himself among the top rookie signal callers in team history, instituting several rookie passing marks before giving way to Tim Rattay for the final two games of the season. The Buccaneers notched an 11-5 record and their second NFC South title in four years in 2005, led by Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year Williams, who set a Tampa Bay rookie record with 1,178 rushing yards. After starting quarterback Brian Griese went down with a season-ending injury, Simms led the Bucs to wins in six of the team’s final eight games and posted a 61.0 completion percentage to
lead the team into the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The defense finished as the top-ranked unit in the league (277.8 avg.), marking the fourth-straight year that the team ranked among the top-five in total defense, and the second time that the group ranked first under Gruden. In 2004, Griese ranked first in the NFL with a 69.3 completion percentage and established franchise marks for passer rating (97.5) and yards per pass attempt (7.8 avg.). Griese also began a streak of 12 consecutive games with a touchdown pass that extended into the 2005 season. Rookie wide receiver Michael Clayton flourished under Gruden’s watch, leading the team and finishing first among NFL rookies with 80 receptions for 1,193 yards. The Buccaneers’ offensive revival continued in 2003 as the team broke the franchise record for total offense (340.8 avg.) and passing offense (237.8 avg.), posting top-10 marks in both categories. On defense, the unit ranked fifth in the NFL (279.1 avg.) and boasted the league’s third-best passing defense (169.4 avg.). Gruden piloted Tampa Bay to its first-ever Super Bowl in 2002, his first season as head coach of the Buccaneers. The team established a franchise record with 12 wins, eclipsing the previous mark of 11 set in 1999, and the Bucs’ 15 overall wins were the most by a Tampa Bay team in single season. Gruden became the youngest head coach inNFL history towin a Super Bowl andwas also the first non-rookie head coach in the history of the NFL to lead his group to the Super Bowl in his first season with a new team. In addition, Gruden became just the third coach since 1966 to win 40 games before his 40th birthday while also becoming only the third head coach in NFL history to lead a different team to a playoff appearance in consecutive years. The Buccaneers’ offense came together down the stretch, averaging 35.3 points and 334.0 yards per game in its three postseason contests. The offensive line surrendered just one sack in the postseason after allowing 2.6 sacks per game during the regular season.
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COACHES & ADMINISTRATION
Under Gruden’s tutelage, Johnson finished first in the NFC and third in the NFL in passer rating (92.9) and established single-season club records in touchdowns (22), completion percentage (62.3), interception ratio (1.3) and passer rating. He became the first quarterback in Buccaneers history to lead the NFC in passer rating and earned two NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, becoming the first player in club history to accomplish that feat. The 2002 Buccaneer defense made its case as one of the top defensive units in NFL history, as Tampa Bay became the first team since the 1985 Chicago Bears to lead the league in total defense, fewest points allowed and total interceptions in the same season. Tampa Bay ranked first in the NFL in both total defense (252.8 avg.) and pass defense (155.6 avg.) for the first time in team history. The Buccaneers’ defense also ranked first in the league in fewest points allowed per game (12.3), opponent passer rating (48.4), interceptions (31), fewest yards per play (4.2) and fewest first downs (236). In 2002, the Buccaneers’ defense featured five Pro Bowlers: 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Brooks, John Lynch, Shelton Quarles, NFC sack leader Simeon Rice and Sapp. Cornerback Brian Kelly tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions and Rice led the NFC and ranked second in the NFL with 15.5 sacks. Gruden posted a 38-26 record in four seasons in Oakland, notching a win total that ranked fourth among all-time Raiders head coaches. He led Oakland to back-to-back division titles in 2000 and 2001, marking the first time since 1982-83 that the Raiders won consecutive AFC West crowns. Under Gruden, the Raiders hosted the AFC Championship Game after the 2000 season and advanced to the AFC Divisional Playoffs in 2001, while ranking among the league’s top-10 offenses in his final three campaigns in Oakland. He also coached eventual NFL Most Valuable Player Gannon for three seasons, helping Gannon pass for 11,098 yards on 949-for-1,537 passing (61.7 percent) with 79 touchdowns and just 34 interceptions from 1999-2001. The Raiders boasted the league’s seventh-ranked offense (335.1 avg.) in 2001 en route to an AFC West title. The Silver and Black went 6-2 against AFC West opponents and Brown totaled 91 receptions for 1,165 yards with nine touchdowns. Five Raiders were named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad: Brown, Gannon, Lincoln Kennedy, Shane Lechler and Woodson. The Raiders ranked among the NFL’s elite in offense, defense and special teams under Gruden’s leadership in 2000, as the Silver and Black advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1990. The offense led the league in rushing (154.4 avg.) and ranked third in the NFL in scoring with 30 points per game. Oakland’s 58 touchdowns were tied for the second-most in the league. The Raiders ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing defense (96.9 avg.) and seventh in the league in takeaways (37). The Raiders led the AFC in touchbacks (15) and the NFL in net punting average (38.0 avg.). Gruden and his staff also led the AFC squad to a 38-17 victory in the Pro Bowl, a game that saw Gannon earn the first of his two consecutive Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player awards. In 1999, Gruden led the Raiders to an 8-8 record despite facing the toughest schedule of any NFL team. The Raiders ranked third in rushing yards (2,084) and fifth in total offense in 1999 (355.8 avg.). In 1998, Gruden’s first year as a head coach, he led the Silver and Black to a four-game improvement over the previous year, going 8-8 and establishing a solid defense that ranked fifth in the NFL (284.4 avg.). Gruden was the third-youngest head coach in Raiders history at age 34 when he was hired in 1998. Al Davis was 33 when he was named head coach and
general manager of the Raiders in 1963 and John Madden was 32 when he was promoted to the top post in 1969. Prior to beginning his initial tenure in Oakland, Gruden was a seven-year NFL assistant, helping his teams qualify for the playoffs five times. Gruden spent three seasons (1995-97) as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the NFL’s youngest offensive coordinator at age 31 when head coach Ray Rhodes hired him in 1995. The Eagles posted a record of 26-21-1 during his time in Philadelphia, including playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, the Eagles ranked third in passing, fifth in rushing and fourth in total offense in the NFC. In 1996, they led the NFC in passing, ranked third in rushing and led the conference in total offense. In 1995, his first season as a coordinator, Philadelphia finished fourth in the NFL in rushing (132.6 avg.). Before joining Philadelphia, Gruden worked for three years at Green Bay from 1992-94. He served as an offensive assistant to head coach Mike Holmgren in 1992 and spent the 1993 and 1994 seasons as Green Bay’s wide receivers coach. Gruden worked as offensive assistant to head coach George Seifert with the San Francisco 49ers in 1990, also assisting then-offensive coordinator Holmgren and helping the 49ers to a 14-2 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. Gruden served five years in the college ranks, spending the 1991 season as wide receivers coach under Paul Hackett at the University of Pittsburgh after coaching wide receivers at University of Pacific in 1989 and logging a stint as passing game coordinator at Southeast Missouri State in 1988. He entered the coaching profession as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1986 and 1987, helping the Volunteers to a 17-7-1 record and victories in the Liberty and Peach Bowls. Born August 17, 1963 in Sandusky, Ohio, Gruden attended South Bend (Ind.) Clay High School and was a three-year letterman at quarterback at the University of Dayton, graduating in 1985 with a degree in communications. He helped the Flyers to a 24-7 record in three years and was honored with the prestigious Lt. Andy Zulli Memorial Award, given to the senior player who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship and character. Gruden and his wife, Cindy, a former University of Tennessee cheerleader, have three sons, Deuce, who is in his third season as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Silver and Black, Michael and Jayson. Heavily involved in the community at each of his coaching stops, Gruden and his wife have hosted youth groups at games and camps, worked on fundraising and awareness campaigns for the American Red Cross, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Gruden has worked to raise awareness about youth sports funding through the FFCA, hosting events that recognize the work of local high school coaches and presenting deserving programs with grant support and equipment. In 2015, the Moffitt Cancer Center dedicated the Gruden Huddle Room at the Moffitt McKinley Outpatient Center in Tampa in recognition of the Gruden family’s support. Gruden’s father, Jim, is a long-time veteran of professional, collegiate and high school football coaching and scouting. He served as a personnel consultant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending 17 seasons in the San Francisco 49ers’ scouting department. He was Tampa Bay’s Director of Player Personnel (1984-86) and running backs coach (1982-83), joining the NFL after coaching stops at the college and high school levels. Gruden’s brother, Jay, was head coach inWashington for six seasons (2014-19) and served offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals (2011-13) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2020).
GRUDEN’S COACHING BACKGROUND
Years 1993-94 1995-97 1998-01 2002-08
Years 1986-87
College/Pro Team
Position Coached Graduate Assistant Passing Game Coordinator
College/Pro Team Green Bay Packers Philadelphia Eagles
Position Coached
Tennessee
Wide Receivers
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Southeast Missouri State
Offensive Coordinator
Pacific
Wide Receivers Offensive Assistant Wide Receivers Offensive Assistant
Oakland Raiders
Head Coach Head Coach
San Francisco 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pittsburgh
2018-Present
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach
Green Bay Packers
24 | Las Vegas Raiders 2021
BOSE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES 700 Rule the Quiet. BOSE QUIETCOMFORT® EARBUDS
COACHES & ADMINISTRATION
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR RICH BISACCIA
20TH SEASON IN NFL | 4TH SEASON WITH RAIDERS
Now in his 38th year of coaching, Rich Bisaccia enters his fourth season with the Silver and Black in 2021 and 11th with Head Coach Jon Gruden, having previously spent seven years together in Tampa Bay from 2002-08. Bisaccia’s resume includes 19 seasons of experience as a special teams coordinator in the NFL with the Raiders (2018-20), Dallas Cowboys (2013-17), San Diego Chargers (2011-12) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-10). Bisaccia, now entering his 20th season as an NFL coach, spent the previous five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys as the special teams coordinator before joining the Raiders in 2018, including the last three with the added role of assistant head coach. Last season, Bisaccia continued to mentor exceptional performances in all facets of his special teams unit. Leading the way was third-year K Daniel Carlson, who put together one of the finest seasons by a kicker in team history, tying an NFL high posting a franchise-record 144 points. Carlson topped K Sebastian Janikowski’s previous mark of 142 points set in 2010. He also made a career-high 33 field goals on 35 attempts to set yet another franchise record with a field goal percentage of 94.3 percent, improving his previous mark of 94.1 percent set in 2018. Carlson also took home an AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor for his performance in Week 1, while also garnering Special Teams Player of the Month honors for his superb kicking in the months of December and January. Punting for the club was second-year P AJ Cole, who appeared in all 16 contests for the second consecutive season and set a career high with a net punting average of 40.1 yards per punt. On the punt return unit, WR Hunter Renfrow highlighted the squad. Renfrow returned 23 punts on the year for a career-high average of 11.5 yards per return, good for the second-best mark in the NFL among qualifying players and 13th-best in franchise history among players with at least 16 returns. Additionally, Bisaccia coached DE Maxx Crosby to Special Teams Player of the Week honors in the season finale after blocking two field goal attempts to preserve a victory for the club. Crosby’s two blocked kicks are tied for the most by a player in a single game since at least 2000, as he is also just the second Raider since at least 2000 to record two blocked kicks in a single game, joining DT Richard Seymour (2011). In 2019, Bisaccia’s special teams excelled in multiple areas, with undrafted rookie standout Cole highlighting the punting unit. Cole set rookie club records in punting average (46.0 avg.), net average (39.4 avg.) and punts downed inside the 20-yard line (33). Leading the league from Weeks 11-17 with 18 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, Cole’s 33 total for the year are tied third-most in franchise history and ranked fifth in the NFL. Cole also booted a 74-yard punt, the third-longest punt in team history, sixth-longest by a rookie in NFL history and third-longest overall in 2019. Under Bisaccia, the team’s punting average of 46.0 yards per punt finished as the 13th-best figure in the NFL, which marked an 18-spot improvement from the team’s ranking in 2018. The unit also finished eighth in the NFL by holding opponents to an average of just 20.9 yards per kickoff return, a 14-spot improvement from their 22nd-place finish in 2018. Additionally, the Raiders held opponents to an average starting line of 24.1 following kickoffs, the fifth-best mark in the NFL. With Bisaccia’s guidance, undrafted rookie CB Keisean Nixon proved to be a special teams standout, compiling a team-high nine tackles on the unit. Nixon’s nine stops tied for sixth-most by a rookie in team history and tied for eighth-most among all players in 2019. In 2018, Bisaccia fielded a unit that ranked third in punt return average (11.6) and eighth in the NFL in average starting position after kickoffs (25.8-yard line). Standouts on his special teams units were WR/RS Dwayne Harris and rookie Carlson. Reunited with Harris from their days together with the Cowboys, Harris took home two AFC Player of the Week Honors for his exceptional performances in Weeks 4 and 16, while Carlson notched one of his own in Week 11. Under Bisaccia, Harris averaged 14.1 yards per punt return on the season, good for the second-best single-season mark in franchise history and tying for the NFL lead in 2018. Harris also returned a punt for a touchdown, the club’s first punt return score since the 2008 campaign. Additionally, Harris finished 10th in the NFL by finishing with a 22.9-yard kickoff return average. Carlson joined the team ahead of Week 8 and finished his rookie campaign connecting on 16-of-17 field goal attempts for a then-franchise-record 94.1 field goal
percentage. Carlson was one of 25 kickers to attempt at least three field goals from beyond 50 yards, but was one of just two to be true on all attempts. Before Carlson’s arrival, K Mike Nugent connected on all six of his field goal attempts before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. Additionally, Bisaccia mentored rookie P Johnny Townsend, who punted 70 times in 2018 and grossed an average of 43.2 yards per punt, which at the time was the third-best mark in club annals among rookie punters. In Bisaccia’s five seasons with the Cowboys, he helped the team win two NFC East titles (2014 and 2016) and guided a unit that ranked fifth in kickoff return average (24.2) and ranked in the top five in two separate seasons, finishing third in 2017 and fourth in 2013 after inheriting a unit that ranked 29th in 2012. Dallas was successful in the kicking game under Bisaccia’s guidance, as K Dan Bailey connected on 87.4 percent of his field goals during that span. He tied for the league lead in field goal percentage in 2015, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Bisaccia also helped LS Louis-Philippe Ladouceur earn his first Pro Bowl honor in 2014. The Cowboys owned a net punting average of 40.4 in his five years at the helm of special teams, ranking 10th in the NFL over that span. In his final season with the Cowboys in 2017, Bisaccia led a unit that pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 34 times, a figure that led the NFL and marked the second-most in franchise history. Bisaccia’s squad led the NFL in fewest opponent punt return yards allowed, holding teams to a total of just 75 yards on the year, a mark that ranked as the third-fewest in club history. The unit also ranked in the top five in kickoff return average, finishing third with an average of 24.8. Bailey connected on 15-of-20 field goals while also hitting 26-of-28 extra points. Ladouceur was perfect on all of his snaps and rookie WR/RS Ryan Switzer finished seventh in the NFL with 856 total return yards (600 kickoff return, 256 punt return) and earned first-team All-Rookie honors from the Pro Football Writers of America as a returner.
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In 2016, the Cowboys’ special teams unit helped the team win the NFC East, as Bailey was true on 27-of-32 field goals (84.4 percent) and all 46 extra point attempts for 127 total points to tie for eighth amongst league kickers. Bailey also became the club’s all-time leader in field goals made after he surpassed K Rafael Septien (162) during the 10th game of the season. Bisaccia’s 2015 unit was highlighted with a Pro Bowl season by Bailey. Bailey connected on 30-of-32 field goals to tie the highest percentage in the NFL (career-high 93.8 percent), while also hitting all 25 extra points as he was rewarded with his first ever trip to the NFL’s annual all-star game. In 2014, Bailey finished the year 25-of-29 with a career field goal percentage of 89.8 and also hit a career-high 56 extra points. Harris led all coverage men with 18 tackles and Ladouceur, who was perfect on every snap for the 10th straight season, earned his first career trip to the Pro Bowl. In his first season in charge of the Cowboys’ special teams, Bisaccia’s impact was immediate in the return game, as he upgraded the squad’s NFL kickoff return average ranking from 29th (20.6 yards per return) in 2012 to fourth (25.5) in 2013. In particular, Harris’ 30.6-yard kickoff return average was second in the league, while his punt return average of 12.8 yards per return ranked third in the NFL. In the kicking game, Bisaccia’s work with Bailey helped him finish the season 28-of-30 on field goals (93.3 percent). Bailey also set a new single-season club record for field goals of 50-or-more yards with six in 2013. Before joining the Cowboys, Bisaccia spent two seasons in San Diego with the Chargers as the special teams coordinator in 2011 before adding assistant head coach duties in 2012. Bisaccia guided his unit to an immediate improvement in punting during his first season, as the Chargers went from last in the league in net average (28.7 net yards per punt) in 2010 to 10th in 2011 with a net average of 39.7. During Bisaccia’s two years in San Diego, the Chargers ranked sixth in punting average (46.9) over that span. P Mike Scifres had an outstanding year in 2011, averaging a career-best 47.5 yards per punt. Additionally, WR/RS Richard Goodman recorded a kick return average of 27.5 yards per return after logging 34 returns for 936 yards and one touchdown. His 27.5-yard average still ranks second in Chargers single-season history and ranked fourth in the NFL that year. Bisaccia entered the NFL coaching ranks as a special teams coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. From 2002-10, Bisaccia served in various roles on the Buccaneers coaching staff, working for Gruden for the first seven years of his stint in Tampa Bay. Bisaccia was the special teams coordinator from 2002-07 and he added the responsibility of associate head coach and running backs in 2008 before spending 2009-10 as the associate head coach/special teams coordinator. During his time with the Buccaneers, Bisaccia oversaw one of the best special teams units in the NFL. He helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl XXXVII in his first season as an NFL coach and guided three players to Pro Bowl honors (P Josh Bidwell, LS Dave Moore and KR Clifton Smith) in addition to 13 NFC Player of the Week awards and four NFC Player of the Month awards. Bisaccia’s units scored eight return touchdowns with four on kickoff returns and four on punt returns. He also saw his group block 18 kicks – 10 field goal attempts, five punts and three extra points – during his time in Tampa Bay, with a league-leading six blocked kicks in 2009. In his nine seasons from 2002-10 with Tampa Bay, the special teams unit ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in several categories, including opponent kickoff return average (sixth, 21.0 yards per return), fewest kickoff and punt returns surrendered for touchdowns (tied for fourth, five touchdowns surrendered), kickoff return average (fourth, 23.0 yards per return), team gross punting average (10th, 43.0) and punts placed inside the 20-yard line (seventh, 229). In 2009, the Buccaneers led the NFL in kickoff return average (26.3 yards per return) while ranking second in the league in opponent kickoff return average (19.1 yards per return). The Buccaneers’ six blocked kicks on the season led the NFL and were the second-highest single-season total in franchise history. Bisaccia’s unit also accounted for three return touchdowns. The 2008 season was highlighted by rookie return man Clifton Smith, as he became the first Buccaneer selected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner and earned second-team All-Pro honors. Bisaccia also oversaw the running backs corps in 2008, helping RB Warrick Dunn finish the season with 786 yards on 186 carries (4.2 avg.). Dunn also became just the sixth player in NFL history to record 10,000 rushing yards and 500 receptions in his career during the 2008 campaign. Under the direction of Bisaccia in 2007, the Buccaneers ranked 12th in the NFL in kickoff return average (23.3 yards per return), seventh in punt return coverage (7.4 yards per return) and second in kickoff return coverage (19.5 yards per return). K Matt Bryant had a then career-high 118 points, sixth in the NFC and tied for 10th in the NFL, ranking third in Buccaneers history for points in a single season. WR Mark Jones also set a then-Buccaneers single-season record for kickoff return average (28.6 yards per return) in 2007. The Buccaneers’ kickoff coverage unit excelled in 2006, ranking first in the NFL in lowest opponent kickoff return average (18.4 yards per return). For the second consecutive season, a member of Bisaccia’s unit was sent to the Pro Bowl as LS Dave Moore was added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster. In his second year with the Buccaneers under Bisaccia in 2005, P Josh Bidwell was named to his first Pro Bowl and earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors while ranking third in the NFL and first in the NFC with a career-best 45.6-yard gross
punting average. Bidwell placed 23 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2005, then the second-highest total of his career, to rank fifth in the NFC. Bisaccia’s unit challenged several team and individual records in 2004, including best kickoff return average (24.2 yards per return), most kickoff return yardage (1,450) and most punts inside the 20- yard line (23). The Buccaneers special teams enjoyed success throughout the 2002 season and proved vital in the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. Buccaneers career scoring leader, K Martin Gramatica, hit on 32-of-39 (82.1 percent) field goal attempts in 2002, including 5-of-6 from 50-or-more yards, while also hitting all 32 of his extra points. Gramatica tied for the NFC lead with a career-high 32 field goals, while his 39 field goal attempts and 128 points in 2002 were new club single-season records. Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Bisaccia spent 19 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. From 1999-2001, he coached at Mississippi, serving as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator, adding the role of assistant head coach for his last two seasons. He mentored All-SEC performers RB Deuce McAllister, RB Joe Gunn and K Les Binkley during his tenure. Ole Miss also excelled on special teams under Bisaccia, with Binkley setting a single-season scoring mark for a kicker. In 2001, the unit led the conference and ranked 12th in the nation in kickoff returns with a 24.4-yard average. McAllister, who was chosen in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, established 18 school records in his career. He ended his career with a team-record 3,060 rushing yards and was named all-conference in both 1999 and 2000. Bisaccia spent five seasons (1994-1998) as the running backs coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Clemson. Under his tutelage, the Tigers set a school record with eight blocked kicks in 1997. Over the three-year period from 1995- 1997, Clemson had 15 blocked kicks, the most-ever for a three-year span in school history. Bisaccia spent six seasons at South Carolina from 1988-93, beginning as a graduate assistant for tight ends and wide receivers in 1988. After one season in the graduate assistant role, he was a volunteer assistant for the school for three seasons, first working with defensive ends and special teams (1989-90) followed by tight ends and special teams (1991), while finishing his final two seasons (1992-93) with the school in the role of running backs/special teams coordinator. Bisaccia began his coaching career in 1983 at Wayne State College (Nebraska), coaching defensive backs and special teams. He switched to the offensive side of the ball in 1984, tutoring quarterbacks and wide receivers for the next four seasons (1984- 87). PERSONAL: Native of Yonkers, N.Y. …Graduated from New Fairfield High School in Connecticut… Attended Yankton College in South Dakota from 1979-1982 and was a four-year starter at defensive back…Served as team captain in 1982 and earned All-South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference honors in 1981 and 1982…Was a free agent signee with the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL in 1983…Received a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Wayne State (Neb.)…He and his wife, Jeanne, have three daughters, Michele, Elizabeth and Maddie, a son, Richie, and five grandchildren, Joel, AnnaJean, Cash, Everett and Ace.
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