The Raiders confirmed they have reached an agreement with Reggie McKenzie to become their general manager Friday.
First reported by ESPN Thursday night, confirmation came in the form of a brief release which said a press conference would be held Tuesday ``at which time additional information will be provided.''
McKenzie, 48, has worked in the Packers organization for the past 19 years, starting as a scout and working to his current post as director of football operations.
He comes with the recommendation of for executive Ron Wolf, who said in a radio interview he talked with owner Mark Davis about hiring McKenzie. McKenzie also worked in Green Bay with Ken Herock, who has been working in an advisory role with the club since the death of owner Al Davis on Oct. 8.
According to the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel, however, McKenzie was interviewed Wednesday by Mark Davis and former coach John Madden.
McKenzie is the first executive to hold the title of general manager with the organization, as Al Davis handled those duties as well as many others.
It is not known whether McKenzie can begin his duties with the Raiders immediately or if he must wait until the Packers conclude their season.
In an interview with 95.7 The Game (FM), Wolf said Mark Davis wasn't looking to be in all corners of the organization as his father was.
``He wants to bring the Raiders back to where they were in the glory years of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s,'' Wolf said. ``I also think he's smart enough to realize what he can and cannot do, and what he's capable of and what he isn't capable of.
``I think, rather than putting himself in the limelight, he is going to hire people that bring out the best in the Raiders.''
McKenzie came through a Green Bay organization which prides itself on drafting and developing young talent and is considered good evaluator of talent.
``He knows who can play and who can't play,'' Wolf said.
There was speculation that Ron Wolf's son, Eliot Wolf, could join McKenzie in Oakland. The Journal-Sentinel reported, however, that Eliot Wolf would stay in Green Bay with a promotion.
The Raiders' brief release contained no quotes from anyone in the organization, including coach Hue Jackson.
Jackson, at his season-ending press conference, talked of hoping to have input into the hire of a general manager but said the decision ultimately rested with Mark Davis.
``This is his football team. I respect that,'' Jackson said. ``But I want to be as involved as I can be just because I think I'm in it. I'm in it deep. And I understand everything that's going on.''
Raiders announce hiring of Reggie McKenzie as their general manager - ContraCostaTimes.com
