Raiders GM Mike Mayock on coach Jon Gruden: He’s ‘got final say'

Alexis Mansanarez

Raiders GM Mike Mayock on coach Jon Gruden: He’s ‘got final say' image

Raiders new general manager Mike Mayock already has the power dynamic between him and coach Jon Gruden figured out.

Mayock, who was hired in late December, said he doesn't have a problem giving Gruden the last word.

"In all honesty, Jon's got (the) final say, if it ever comes to that, and I've got zero problems with that," Mayock told ESPN on Monday. "Now, having said that, I think we're going to come to a consensus, and I like a little yelling, a little screaming, a little fighting for what players you believe in. But at the end of the day, I guarantee you, Jon Gruden and I are going to know what a Raider looks like and smells like. I don't think we're going to have any issues."

Mayock's comments came while he was scouting the college football national championship between Alabama and Clemson. The Raiders have multiple top picks in upcoming drafts.

"We've got three first-round picks this year, two next year and a little money to spend in free agency," he added. "So, what I can tell you is we're going to start with the basics, and I think over the next couple of years, you'll see a huge increase in the talent level of the Raiders."

The former NFL Network draft analyst is settling into his new role. He said his trip to Santa Clara, California, was the first time he's left the office in a week.

"It's been awesome," Mayock said, via ESPN. "I've been a little overwhelmed with some of the non-football duties that go along with being a GM, and you've got to kind of prioritize, get yourself back to the tape, because that's the reason I'm there in the first place."

 

Alexis Mansanarez