NBC’s Dianna Russini, who has been all over Raiders news this off season, reported today that the Raiders are interested in interviewing current University of Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.
The Oakland Raiders are interested in Louisville’s defensive coordinator Todd Grantham for their defensive coordinator position per sources
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) January 26, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Grantham meets the criteria that the Raiders reportedly want: he has NFL experience and defensive coordinator experience, both, which would help him quickly acclimate to being an NFL defensive coordinator again.
Grantham has only been a defensive coordinator once before, with the Cleveland Browns from 2005 – 2007. However, he has a long list of additional NFL experience having coached the defensive lines of the Colts (1999-2001), Texans (2002-2004), and Cowboys (2008-2009).
He has been a coordinator in the college ranks since 2010, when he joined Georgia as their coordinator from 2010 – 2013. He spent last season in Louisville with the Cardinals marking their first year in the ACC.
Grantham has had mixed success in each spot but has been more successful than not, it appears. His background as a defensive line coach comes through as his defensive units put a large emphasis on pressuring the QB.
Under Grantham, Georgia field some excellent defenses and was ranked as high as 3rd in the nation in 2011, his second year with the squad. In his first year at Louisville, his defensive squad was rated the ACC’s second-best in total defense.
Grantham is an interesting candidate and more exciting than other possible options. He has a history of success at a variety of locations and levels, which is intriguing. He has the needed experience in the NFL and as a coordinator, which is very helpful in accelerating his transition to the NFL.
Grantham is no lock – he’s only a top candidate. But he’s an interesting top candidate in a coaching search that had other possible candidates like Mel Tucker, one of the worst coordinators the NFL has seen in recent years.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
