The best choice isn’t always a big name, however. Las Vegas might be intent on going all in on its new defensive identity by bringing in a familiar face who played a key role in crafting the most dominant defense of the last 10 years.

“Raiders conducted an in-person head coaching interview today with longtime NFL assistant coach Kris Richard, who played for the team in 2007, per source,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X. “The 44-year-old Richard has coached with the Seahawks, Cowboys and Saints.”

Richard, a former defensive back who played for the team in 2007, won a Super Bowl ring while serving as the DB coach for 2013-14 “Legion of Boom” Seattle Seahawks. He was promoted to defensive coordinator but was dismissed after three seasons. Richard was most recently a co-DC for the New Orleans Saints in 2022.

After a year off, perhaps he is primed to score the biggest opportunity of his career. But Kris Richard could have some trouble winning over a Raiders locker room that seems dead-set on one man being named head coach.