Jim O’Neil‘s next NFL coaching position will be in the Bay Area, just as his most recent one was. The Raiders are hiring the former 49ers defensive coordinator as a senior defensive assistant, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
O’Neil will work with Oakland’s linebackers and secondary, per Caplan. He was also in contention for a job with the Packers under Mike Pettine, whom O’Neil worked for as Browns DC from 2014-15.
He will now work under newly hired DC Paul Guenther. O’Neil’s most recent defensive work ended with the 2016 49ers ranking last in total defense. His final Browns unit ranked 27th.
Guenther and O’Neil will be in charge of a Raiders unit that struggled over the past three years. Its 2017 showing (23rd in total defense) bettered the 2016 playoff team’s ranking.
I know the 9ers Defense sucked under this guy but the talent wasn’t there for him either. I actually think he can do some good things for the Raiders. Curious to see how Gruden and his staff will do or if he ends up changing things up after a year or two.
“Senior Defensive Assistant”. Usually translates to “Here is a coaching job for you until something better opens up”