It has only been four weeks but already the NFL has its first coaching casualty. The Oakland Raiders have fired head coach Dennis Allen after an embarrassing 38-14 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The news, which was first rumored on Monday afternoon, comes during Oakland’s bye week.
The firing and bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Raiders. The team has struggled mightily this season, with an 0-4 record, and have twice as many points allowed than points gained. The team, which is led by rookie quarterback Derek Carr, has not been able to develop any consistent offense due to a rash of injuries and poor play.
Dennis Allen coached the team from 2012-2014, and held a record of 8-28 during his head coaching career. Prior to his head coaching job in Oakland, Allen previously held the role of Denver Broncos defensive coordinator, and has also held jobs with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons during his time in the NFL.
In the interim, the team will hand over the reigns to Tony Sparano, who was formerly the coach of the Miami Dolphins.
While the team is still reeling from their loss on Sunday, they must remain focused despite the loss of Allen. In an interview with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, tight end David Ausberry explained the team’s mindset going into the rest of the season.
“It’s a tough deal, especially for him,” As we all know, this is the NFL and it keeps growing. So we just all got to as a team pull together and keep going forward. That’s all we really can do.”
Allen was Oakland’s seventh coach since the team traded Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay after the 2001 season.
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