Oakland Raiders Fire General Manager Reggie McKenzie

For some this is a shock, for others something expected. Anyway, they all agree that is the biggest news of the day.

Reggie McKenzie is no longer the general manager of the Oakland Raiders, starting this Monday. This decision comes after yesterday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-21.

For the past seven years, McKenzie made all the significant moves in this franchise. After Al Davies’ death his son took over the leadership of the Raiders, and one of his best decisions was to hire McKenzie.

During his mandate, Raiders became a stable franchise, bouncing back after years of despair during which they faced many issues on and off the field.

#Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie fired after #Steelers win

READ: https://t.co/RvJqpErXu0 | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/icZHKHAPFX

— Raiders Wire (@TheRaidersWire) December 10, 2018

McKenzie sorted out all problems, starting with the finances, with rational decisions and smart investments. His draft choices pushed this teams to the postseason, winning the first playoff berth after 2002 season, when they reached the Super Bowl. If it weren’t for Dereck Carr’s injury back then, Raiders might have made a much better result.

That season, Khalil Mack won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, and McKenzie received the honor for the best executive in the whole NFL.

Still, the last two seasons were not that bright for the Raiders, who didn’t reach the playoffs despite having a solid team. Whether it was the injuries or bad luck, the team didn’t look good, especially during the previous season.

With the record of 6 wins and 10 losses, they were one of the biggest disappointments in the league.

Mark Davis decided to fire Jack Del Rio and bring back Jon Gruden who was in charge here from 1998 until 2002 when he got traded to Tampa Bay.

It was obvious that the two couldn’t work together and that McKenzie’s influence on decisions deteriorated, which was later confirmed when some of the players he drafted got traded to other clubs.

The most significant departure was Khalil Mack’s. One of the best defenders in the last decade was sent to Chicago, just one week before the start of the season. In return, among other things, Raiders received two first-round picks.

Amari Cooper was sent to Dallas in October also for a first-round pick.

Gruden’s vision is to create the new Raiders, with no connection at all with the old ones, which is why he wanted to get rid of any ties with the past.

Jon Gruden on if he agrees with GM Reggie McKenzie's firing: "When you're 3-10, I'm not surprised with anything that happens in this league."

The #Raiders fired McKenzie today. McKenzie began his tenure as the Raiders GM in 2012. Here's a montage of today's press conference. pic.twitter.com/XnzhIqCEst

— Chris Booker (@Bookerc94) December 10, 2018

Another reason for all his actions was to get rid of the players who could undermine his authority. Cooper who has been a two-time Pro Bowl and Mack, a three-time Pro Bowl and two-time first-team All-Pro, were already big names close to McKenzie, which might have been the cause for their trades.

The Raiders are 3-10 at the moment, with a huge reconstruction in front of them. The upcoming draft will be very important for them, as they have to make the right choices.

If the opposite happens, trading Mack and Cooper will turn out to be nothing but a huge bust.

For McKenzie, parting ways with the Raiders will be a tough situation, but there is no place for fear for when talking his future. Lots of teams need an executive with his qualities and knowledge, and there is no doubt that several of them are seriously considering hiring him after the recent developments.

The only question is which one of them will reach him first?