Raiders running backs coach Kirby Wilson has retired (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Wilson exits after several decades on the sidelines — 15+ years in the college ranks and roughly 20 years in the pros.
Wilson’s first NFL coaching job came with the Patriots in 1997, during Pete Carroll’s tenure. Then, when Carroll went to USC, he brought Wilson along with him to coach the wide receivers. Wilson went back to the NFL in 2002, served as a running backs coach for seven teams across 19 seasons. The Raiders picked him up in 2019, putting him with Jon Gruden for the second time in his career.
His retirement comes as something of a surprise, given that he was a candidate for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator post just a few months ago. Carroll ultimately went with the younger Shane Waldron.
With training camp just a few short weeks away, the Raiders will look to fill the role quickly.
I think it’s only natural that we ask, was Kirby the greatest RB coach of all time?
Perhaps one of the most underrated losses the Steelers have had coaching wise. 7 really good years with the team.
Mike Munchack
“Run that way and don’t fumble”. Coach of the year.
I would probably agree with you that most of the elite RBs I have seen over the years really have no need of any coaching. They just instinctively know how to make the most of the talent they were given.
I hope everything is OK.
Seems kind of an odd time to decide to retire.