James Lofton "Unlikely Rumors" Commentary

Call it a favor, or call it a simple visit to a trusting friend.James Lofton, who visited with the just over a year ago, met with 77-year-old owner Al Davis on Tuesday to discuss the team's head coaching vacancy.Lofton, an eight-time Pro Bowl participant, was a member of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
the Raiders roster from 1987-88. In the two-season span, the 6-foot-3 wideout caught 69 passes for 1,429 yards and five touchdowns before leaving for Buffalo.A first-round rookie in 1978, Lofton appeared on five different rosters throughout his 16-year career. By the time he was ready to call it quits, the Stanford grad had played in 233 games and caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns. The 50-year-old ranks just behind Jerry Rice and Tim Brown -- two former Raiders -- on the all-time receiving yardage list.For the past five years, Lofton has served as the wide receivers coach for the division-rival San Diego Chargers.Despite a recent report published by the San Diego Union-Tribune claiming that both parties are "working on details of a contract," don't expect his job title to change drastically any time soon.The ex-CNN NFL analyst is said to have a very close football relationship with Davis, who respects Lofton as both a player and coach. It is unlikely, though, that Davis will work out a deal with Lofton in the upcoming days. The longtime assistant left Alameda on Tuesday without a contract, but did fulfill the organization's duty to adhere to the "Rooney Rule," which requires all NFL teams to include at least one minority candidate in their search for a head coach.Earlier this week, it had also been reported that former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dennis Green was interested in the position. On Tuesday, it was revealed that story was false, and Green had no previous intentions to meet with Davis.In the last week, speculation surrounding the Raiders' headquarters has reached an all-time high.Thus far, the team has interviewed Lofton, former New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel, current defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, and USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian. Other names -- besides Green's -- who have come up then disappeared this offseason include Bobby Petrino, Pat Hill and Rex Ryan.All said and done, expect Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Sarkisian to prove recent reports wrong and run away with the job.Call that just another rumor if you want, though.Want to be in the Raiders mailbag? Visit RaidersLive.com to submit your questions and comments for the Jan. 19 mailbag.