Tweet
Mike Martz decides he doesn't want to coach the Oakland Raiders
Just two days after interviewing in Oakland for the Raiders' head-coaching job, Mike Martz on Saturday pulled his name out of consideration.
In a telephone interview Saturday night, Martz said he enjoyed his interview session with Raiders owner Al Davis and said working for Davis would have been a blast. But he said the overall situation in Oakland just didn't feel right, so he no longer is a candidate.
"It was fun visiting with Al Davis," Martz said. "But the situation's probably not for me right now."
Martz declined to elaborate.
Of the 10 NFL teams to change head coaches this offseason, Oakland is the only club that hasn't hired a replacement. So Martz's withdrawal means he will not be a head coach in the NFL at the start of next season.
Martz flew to Oakland on Thursday to interview with Raiders officials, including Davis, the club's longtime owner. And there were reports that Martz was impressive during the session. Earlier Saturday, Martz was told by Raiders personnel executive Michael Lombardi that he remained in the running for the job held by the fired Norv Turner the past two seasons.
But Martz obviously had bad vibes about working for an organization that has gone through five head coaches since 1996 and is 13-35 over the past three seasons.
Martz previously had interviewed for the New Orleans head coaching job, but that position went to former Dallas assistant Sean Payton.
Martz could still find work in the league next season, but as an offensive coordinator. He spoke with Detroit president Matt Millen on Saturday about working as coordinator there and is scheduled to speak with new Lions head coach Rod Marinelli on Sunday.
But with opportunities drying up, it's just as likely that Martz will sit out the 2006 season.
Source: stltoday.com
In a telephone interview Saturday night, Martz said he enjoyed his interview session with Raiders owner Al Davis and said working for Davis would have been a blast. But he said the overall situation in Oakland just didn't feel right, so he no longer is a candidate.
"It was fun visiting with Al Davis," Martz said. "But the situation's probably not for me right now."
Martz declined to elaborate.
Of the 10 NFL teams to change head coaches this offseason, Oakland is the only club that hasn't hired a replacement. So Martz's withdrawal means he will not be a head coach in the NFL at the start of next season.
Martz flew to Oakland on Thursday to interview with Raiders officials, including Davis, the club's longtime owner. And there were reports that Martz was impressive during the session. Earlier Saturday, Martz was told by Raiders personnel executive Michael Lombardi that he remained in the running for the job held by the fired Norv Turner the past two seasons.
But Martz obviously had bad vibes about working for an organization that has gone through five head coaches since 1996 and is 13-35 over the past three seasons.
Martz previously had interviewed for the New Orleans head coaching job, but that position went to former Dallas assistant Sean Payton.
Martz could still find work in the league next season, but as an offensive coordinator. He spoke with Detroit president Matt Millen on Saturday about working as coordinator there and is scheduled to speak with new Lions head coach Rod Marinelli on Sunday.
But with opportunities drying up, it's just as likely that Martz will sit out the 2006 season.
Source: stltoday.com