Allen denies reunion with Gruden
revamp their personnel department now that the draft is over, there’s no indication Mckenzie’s general manager’s role would be in jeopardy. Despite Allen’s denial, Gruden, whose record $100 million contract gives him final say on most team decisions, Redskins’ president seems likely to bring Allen aboard again at some point.
The timing of a possible Allen return probably doesn’t make sense right now. Not only is he in the middle of a signature project of trying to secure a new stadium for Washington owner Dan Snyder, Allen may not be welcomed back to Oakland with open arms, a la Gruden.
Allen didn’t ingratiate himself to East Bay fans last year with his public support of moving the Raiders from Oakland to Vegas.
“I’m happy for the Raiders, and I’m happy for the Raider fans,” Allen told the Washington Post when the Raiders’ move to Vegas was approved by the NFL. “They’re gonna have a world-class stadium. It’s what Al wanted and was promised when we came to Oakland.”
Allen went on to downplay the pain felt by fans in Oakland, telling the Post, “There are more Raider fans in L.A. than there is in Oakland; there are more Raider fans probably in San Diego than there is in Oakland. It’s a fraternity, and they’ll all come together now in The Silver State.”
Allen may be a better fit with the Raiders when the team moves to Vegas, where he could operate as a senior executive to help with business matters. Besides, as a player personnel executive, Allen has distinguished himself for all the wrong reasons.
Another factor to consider with any potential Allen hiring is the Raiders’ compliance with the Rooney Rule. The rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates in good faith, applies to senior football operation roles, as well as for head coaches.
The Raiders were already investigated in January following Gruden’s shoo-in hiring, and a potential rubber-stamped Allen hiring would certainly be scrutinized.