[San Francisco Chronicle] More than a week after dismissing Norv Turner, the Raiders have yet to formally interview a single candidate. That might change later this week when Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders — a longtime favorite of owner Al Davis — is expected to pay a visit to Alameda.
Saunders, whom Davis considered to replace Jon Gruden before settling on Bill Callahan as his head coach in 2003, is highly regarded as the architect for a Chiefs offense that has led the NFL in touchdowns and total yards the past five seasons.
He has Bay Area ties, having gotten his B.A. from San Jose State in 1969 and his M.A. from Stanford in 1970. He was an assistant coach at Cal for six seasons (1976-81). Saunders succeeded Don Coryell as the Chargers’ head coach in October 1986 but was fired in December 1988 after going 17-22.
Saunders’ candidacy has become hotter in NFL circles after Kansas City struck a deal with the New York Jets to land Herman Edwards, who was signed to a $12 million contract. But Chiefs quarterback Trent Green is pressuring general manager Carl Peterson to retain Saunders.
Saunders also is expected to interview for the head-coaching vacancy in Detroit as well as for Edwards’ former job with the Jets.
