Raiders Press Conference

"We Want To Be Great"

Today's press conference where owner Al Davis introduced new Head Coach Hue Jackson was inspiring. If you wanted good Big Al sound bites, you got it. If you wanted Al throwing out statistics and history, you got it. If you wanted Al threatening to pull out a blackboard, you got it. But most importantly if you wanted to know who Hue Jackson is, you definitely got it.

Hue didn't do a Mike Singletary "we want winners" speech. Instead he reminded us that the Raiders have winners and his job is to put those winners in a position to compete for the Super Bowl championship come next season.

Hue was courageous and clear about his appreciation for the opportunity and his outlook to return the Raiders to greatness. Hue made his presence known without needing Al to hold his hand, something past Raiders head coaches lacked. Hue spoke and the press parted the waters to allow his vision to flow through the airways unimpeded. The man's confidence in himself and the Raiders was felt. Rex Ryan ain't got nothing on Hit'em Hard Hue.

It may turn out to be one of the best press conferences in recent Raiders history. No dodging questions, no pointing blame, no getting sidetracked by accusatory questions. The press was civil in their questions and "Coach Al" along with Coach Hue obligingly delivered. Much was said about the success of last season, but Hue said it best when he wrapped up his vision and that of the Raiders organization in five words:

"We Want To Be Great"