Art Shell

owner Al Davis wasted no time on Saturday, jumpstarting the organization's 1:30 press conference with an immediate introduction of new head coach Art Shell.After giving a short prologue regarding the on-field and coaching accomplishments of Shell, Davis moved onto a more entertaining, but serious issue regarding the locker room mind-set in Oakland. Davis noted, "when Art left the Raiders as the head coach he went to Kansas City as the offensive line coach; and in his first year there, they were 13-3. But he said one thing to me: that before they would play the Raiders - the Kansas City Chiefs - they would come into that room packed with players and say, 'We hate the Raiders. Not you Art, but we hate the Raiders.'""You go to San Diego with Schottenheimer down there and talk to the players before they play the Raiders. 'Its Raider week and we hate the Raiders.'""Denver, I don't have to tell you the rivalry that goes on there and how they get ready for the Raiders the week before the game."To make a strong point on a serious issue, Davis immediately and forcefully described this deep hatred spread amongst the AFC West towards the Raiders. This is such a major concern, because in Oakland's last three seasons they have won just two divisional games in 18 meetings. To describe the source of this 2-18 divisional record, Davis simply admitted: "I got the feeling, and it wasn't only a feeling-it was no joke anymore, that the Raiders weren't ready to meet the challenge when they traveled to these other cities. Not only from a standpoint of total ability, but total desire and the will to win and to realize that what we're playing are people who dislike us intensely."That lack of "desire" and "will to win" has produced a three-year downfall in the organization that has become unparalleled within such a prestigious NFL franchise.Simply, Al Davis' answer to this problem: "The guy who I'm tapping and the Raiders are tapping to lead us back-and we will be back-is Art Shell, the 15th head coach of the Raiders."-Art Shell monologue:In the first statement addressing the media, Shell made a statement that every Raiders fan loves to hear: "Once a Raider, always a Raider." Shell admitted that even in his years working for the NFL, he always watched the Raiders from "afar." He expressed his initial attitude when he had heard of the Raiders head coaching vacancy, saying "when the job opened up, I wanted to try and be a part of it because I felt that my organization, our football team, needs me. And I felt I could help.""Help" is the bare minimum that Oakland fans are hoping for-a complete 360 degree revolution would be more accommodating.Always known for his ability to motivate and discipline his players, Shell was not shy in stating his future plans with his players and fellows coaches: "If you're willing to commit yourself, and I'm sure these players want to win, they all want direction. Don't get me wrong, they all want direction, they all want to win. So I have to come in here, and I have to show them the way, coaches too. The Raider way. Everybody has a way of doing things. The Raiders have a way of doing things. We're about winning. And we will win. We will be tough. We will be power. And I want the ability, as always to strike from anywhere on the field. That's important to me."It was through this kind of assertive energy that Shell earned the 1990 AFC Coach of the Year honors.-Key points addressed during the question and answer segment:Question: You mentioned an ex-player who called and urged you talk to Art. Who was it? Al Davis: There were many, but this particular one was Michael Haynes. Question: How many times have you [and Shell] visited [since he left in 94]? Al Davis: I'd say, wow, I don't keep track of this, but let me reflect. I'd say two times a year. Question: What's missing from a football standpoint?Art Shell: When you walk out there, when you into that stadium, you walk out there with a presence. Mr. Davis called it a swagger. Yeah, a swagger. You walk out there with a presence. And I just want to get back to the point where when we walk into a stadium, they know the Raiders are in town. And when we walk into the Coliseum, the Raiders are here. And we're gonna play in the Black Bottom. We used to call it "Black Bottom" back in the day, now they call it the Black Hole.Question: How do you restore swagger? Art Shell: Words don't get it done. Its actions. It's how you work. It's how you practice. And it starts in the offseason. For the players, it starts with offseason programs. That's when it gets started. As a matter of fact, I've already etched off my letter to the players, as to what the expectations are and when we get started, move toward a championship season. But we're gonna get it done. It's the actions that the coaches have to do in the offseason to get our players prepared, make sure we come up with a plan. And again, it's not the system. Systems are good, but players win games. Question: Are players different these days? Art Shell: Players haven't changed. They all want the same thing. They want to win. But somebody has to go in there and give them direction. Question: What are your impressions of Kerry Collins and is he likely to be the team's quarterback? Art Shell: I just got here. I am not involved in personnel right now. All I can say is Kerry Collins has been an outstanding quarterback. Matter of fact, I spoke with Kerry just before I 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
came down here. He is excited about moving forward next year. But look, he is an exciting quarterback. I think he has a chance to be great for us. But those issues will be addressed down the road.The statement made above by Shell may have started his coaching term off on the wrong foot with most Raiders fans. However, leaving the subject open and addressing it very vaguely will keep fans close to the news regarding the future quarterback of the Raiders. And I'm confident that most fans cannot wait to see what excitement is "down the road" for Art Shell and the .