Offseason
Former Raiders head coach Art Shell, frequently regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, and who won two Super Bowls and went to multiple Pro Bowls as a member of the Raiders, received an interview. Since firing Shell in 1994, Davis had said numerous times that he regretted the decision. Shell was renamed head coach on February 11, 2006.
Shell's staff for the 2006 season consisted of new offensive coordinator Tom Walsh (who was assistant head coach under Shell during his earlier tenure with the Raiders) and new offensive line coach Jackie Slater. Irv Eatman, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, assisted Slater in coaching the offensive line. Special teams coach Joe Avezzano, who took the position in 2004, was replaced; Rob Ryan returned to the team for his third season as defensive coordinator.
Quarterback Kerry Collins, who was 7–21 as a starter over two seasons, was released to create salary cap space . He was replaced by free agent Aaron Brooks, previously of the New Orleans Saints. Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo are the backups.
One of the biggest losses of the offseason was cornerback Charles Woodson. First round draft pick of 2006 Michael Huff, linebacker Thomas Howard (2nd round pick) and offensive lineman Paul McQuistan also joined the team. Wide receiver Doug Gabriel was traded to the New England Patriots on September 2, 2006. They brought back Jeff George during the last week of the 2006 pre-season, but he did not make the team. Other notable additions for 2006 were cornerbacks Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks, undrafted free agent tight end John Madsen and defensive end Lance Johnstone who returned to the team. Marcellus Rivers and Rod Smart were signed before training camp but did not make the final 53-man roster.
Read more about this topic: 2006 Oakland Raiders Season